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To help warn communities in flood-prone areas, over 5,000 flood markers have been installed across parts of Chiang Mai and Lamphun that experienced past flooding. Each marker shows the maximum floodwater height measured from the road surface, based on comparisons with the Ping River water level at Station P.1 (located near the Nawarat Bridge). In October 2024, a major flood occurred when P.1 reached 5.30 meters.
Image sources from Aljazeera, Reuters, Bangkokpost
Table of Contents
Why it matters
- The marker shows how far floodwaters rose in the city center — a vivid reminder of Chiang Mai’s flood risk.
- It raises awareness among residents, authorities, and planners for future preparedness.
Simple takeaways
- In 2024, the floods reached ~40 cm above street level, even in central areas.
- Urban areas near the Ping River are vulnerable—heavy rainfall can trigger rapid urban flooding.
- Flood markers like CM24_0120 are crucial for tracking water levels and guiding emergency responses.
Tips for Local Residents
- Follow real-time alerts from local authorities during the rainy season.
- Keep drainage clear around your home—blocked drains worsen flooding.
- Use flood markers as visual guides: a 50 cm rise means streets could flood quickly. On the interactive map, click on the mark to see more details, images, and the Google map.
Update In 2025
On July 19, 2025, Chiang Khan experienced a quick flood after about an hour of heavy rain. This affected the main area and the old city alleys. Vehicles like motorcycles and cars stalled in Chiang Khan, and the water level reached the sidewalks. I was in the old city and had to drive through water that was nearly half the height of my car’s wheels. According to the news, the flood was caused by overflowing sewers. The flooding lasted from 6 PM to 11 PM, during which time the city worked to clear the sewers. People kept others updated about the flood on Facebook in real-time.
More details: Facebook, News
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