CHIANG MAI: Floodwaters were receding in inundated areas of Chiang Mai city on Wednesday as the rain-swollen Ping River dropped below the critical level.
Irrigation Office 1 reported the falling levels. There was still about 1.51 million cubic metres of floodwater in municipal areas as of 9am on Wednesday, the office said. However, the floodwater had already drained in some areas.
Pumps were working full tme to expell water from badly-hit Wiang Thong housing estate on Chang Khlan Road and from Pa Phrao Nok community.
The Ping River at Mae Tae village in San Sai district was measured at 2.33 metres, 1.47 metres below the critical level, on Wednesday while the level of the river at Nawarat Bridge in Muang district was 3.57 metres, 0.13 metres below the critical level.
Chiang Mai deputy governor Worayan Boonnarat said the flood had receded faster than expected and this minimised damage.
Chiang Mai municipality work crews were cleaning up in 10 major areas where the floodwater had drained off, as preparations begin for the Loy Krathong festival.
Several areas of Muang district have been submerged since the Ping River burst its banks as rain hammered the city on Monday. Some residents said it was the wettest season they had experienced. The worst flooding was in tambon Pa-dad in Muang district.
