Flash floods hit northern Thailand again as rivers overflow

Flash floods ravaged northern Thailand again today while residents were still reeling from recent storms.

Heavy rain caused runoff to flow into the Sai River in Chiang Mai province in the early hours of October 3. The resulting deluge spilled over into the Mae Rim District, which saw its fourth flash flood in recent weeks.

Footage shows churning floods gushing through streets in the province at around 3:30 am.

Locals feared that the Ping River may also overflow if the heavy downpour persists. The river had already passed the crisis level of 12.5 feet. It was reportedly rising by four inches per hour.

The local irrigation office urged residents in risky areas to relocate their belongings to higher ground. 

Sandbag barriers were installed around homes and buildings to help keep the water at bay.

Officials said they were continuing to monitor the water level at the Ping River.

It comes just weeks after Typhoon Yagi battered the country, killing 42 in northern Thailand and leaving thousands more displaced. This was followed by rain that added to the floods.

Thailand and neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia are in their annual monsoon rainy season which sees soaring temperatures followed by powerful rain storms in the afternoon leading to widespread flash floods.