After the recent devastating flooding in northern Thailand, the Bishop of Chiang Rai, along with a dedicated team of volunteers, is working tirelessly to clear away the thick mud that has engulfed churches and homes.
As reported by Chainarong Monthienvichienchai from Thailand’s LiCAS News, the aftermath of the flash flood has left the region facing significant challenges.
Bishop Joseph Vuthilert Haelom emphasized the urgent need to act swiftly before the mud hardens, making the cleanup process even more arduous. The floodwaters, which had reached unprecedented heights, have now receded, leaving behind a foot of mud across the city.
Efforts to wash away the sludge covering the streets are underway, with fire trucks from Chiang Rai and neighboring Chiang Mai mobilized for the task. Residents in some neighborhoods are seeking assistance to clear over a meter of mud from their homes.
The damage to local schools is also of major concern to Bishop Haelom, with many educational institutions suffering extensively from the floodwaters.
While northern and northeastern Thailand are grappling with the aftermath of the flooding, the Udon Thani Diocese in northeastern Thailand is also facing widespread inundation due to heavy rainfall triggered by Tropical Storm Yagi.
Despite the challenges posed by the natural disaster, the annual parish feast in Nong Khai province proceeded as scheduled, with Bishop Joseph Luechai Thatwisai of Udon Thani arriving by boat to partake in the Mass conducted in the flooded church.
The recent floods have claimed ten lives, affecting over 73,000 families, primarily in northern Thailand. Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai have borne the brunt of the storm, with severe flooding reported in the region.
While the floods have devastated several provinces, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has assured that key tourist areas remain unaffected. However, the situation in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai is dire, with casualties reported and thousands of families impacted.
Various provinces across Thailand, such as Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun, have also been affected by the floods, signaling the need for extensive relief efforts in the region.
