On May 6, 2025, heavy rainstorms wreaked havoc across several provinces in Thailand, notably in Lamphun and Surat Thani, leading to significant flooding and emergency responses from local authorities.
The Office of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation in Lamphun Province, led by Mr. Jira Trongphutthi, issued a warning regarding impending storms and heavy rainfall. The announcement, which came in the early hours of the morning, highlighted alerts from the Meteorological Department regarding severe weather conditions. Mr. Jira emphasized the importance of preparedness, stating, "We are coordinating with relevant agencies to assist people affected by disasters, including provincial government agencies and local authorities."
As the storm progressed, the focus of the disaster management shifted towards 'Quality Disaster Prevention'. This approach included five key announcements aimed at mitigating the impact of the weather. Officials like Mr. Wiwat Sujarit and Mr. Kanyanat Jak stressed both preventative measures and community involvement, urging citizens to participate in disaster preparedness initiatives.
Unfortunately, the storms led to dire consequences in Surat Thani, where reports indicated that heavy rainfall resulted in flooding in the urban area. By late afternoon, water levels had risen over 30 cm in several locations, causing significant traffic disruptions. The bypass road near the Bangchak gas station became particularly problematic, with vehicles struggling to navigate the rising waters.
At around 5:30 PM, a tragic incident occurred when a motorcycle stalled in the floodwaters near a power pole. The rider, identified only as Ms. A, attempted to push her bike through the water when she was electrocuted due to a power leak from the pole. Eyewitnesses reported that no one dared to assist her initially because of the risk of electric shock. Emergency responders, known as NSO volunteers, arrived on the scene and faced the daunting task of rescuing Ms. A, who had fallen face down in the water.
Rescue operations were hampered by the ongoing electrical hazard, but after about 30 minutes, the volunteers managed to pull her from the water using ropes. They immediately began CPR on the unconscious woman before transporting her to Surat Thani Hospital for further medical attention. Due to the severity of her condition, the rescue team acted swiftly, as they were unsure if she had a pulse when they arrived.
The incident underscores the dangers posed by flooding in urban areas, especially when combined with electrical hazards. The power pole involved had previously been the site of another electrocution incident just weeks earlier, raising questions about the safety measures in place. Local authorities have been criticized for not addressing the electrical issues despite prior warnings.
In light of these events, Mr. Jira reiterated the importance of community preparedness and adherence to disaster prevention protocols. He stated, "We must work together to ensure the safety of our communities during these challenging times." The Office of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation is committed to monitoring the situation closely and will continue to coordinate with local agencies to provide assistance to those affected by the storms.
As the rain continues to fall, residents are urged to stay informed about weather updates and to heed warnings from local authorities. The collaboration between government agencies and community members will be crucial in navigating the challenges posed by the ongoing storm.
