Nan: Flash floods and mudslides in several areas of Nan Province, particularly Pua District, have once again caused damage to homes and people. Questions arise as to why this area repeatedly faces severe flooding and how Thailand can reduce losses from such events.

According to Thai News Agency, the program "Forum of Ideas" discusses this with Professor Sonthi Kachawat, an environmental expert, the factors behind this situation, from rainfall amount and topography to land use, as well as warning systems and long-term water management approaches.

Professor Sonthi explains that one of the key factors in this flood was the heavy rainfall in Pua District. On the night of the 18th, the accumulated rainfall in 24 hours reached 339.6 millimeters. This weather pattern was caused by several factors combined, including a monsoon trough shifting down to cover the upper northern region, a low-pressure area, and a strong southwest monsoon, resulting in continuous heavy rainfall in the higher areas of Nan Province.

Meanwhile, Pua District's topography includes high mountains and valleys. When there is heavy rainfall, water from higher areas can flow rapidly downstream, carrying sediment and mud that can damage communities before the water mass continues to flow further downstream.

Besides weather conditions, Professor Sonthi points out that land use in highland areas, particularly monoculture farming, may reduce the area's ability to absorb and slow down water flow. When heavy rain occurs, water flows down the mountains more rapidly, causing soil erosion. Continuous restoration of upstream forests is crucial to improving the ecosystem's capacity to absorb and slow down water.

Another issue questioned is the warning system. While agencies issued warnings about heavy rainfall and the risk of flash floods before the event, Professor Sonthi believes warnings shouldn't end with just "beware of heavy rain" or "move belongings to higher ground." They should provide actionable information, such as which areas need evacuation, safe zones, and escape routes, especially for vulnerable groups who require time for relocation.

For long-term solutions, Professor Sonthi suggested that Nan Province create a map of flood-prone areas and water flow routes to identify communities in flood-prone zones and design appropriate measures for each area. Approaches could include restoring upstream forests, considering suitable water retention systems, increasing water storage areas or retention ponds, improving the efficiency of sluice gates, maintaining riverbanks and flood protection systems, and dredging waterways where necessary.

The situation in Nan Province reflects that flash floods are not caused by a single factor but by a convergence of multiple factors: massive rainfall, topography, land use, and the readiness of disaster management systems. While heavy rainfall cannot be prevented, faster and more accurate preparedness can help reduce damage and losses in the next disaster.

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