Safety
Expert Warns of Flood Risks and Dam Safety in Pua District, Nan
Following extreme rainfall in Nan province, an academic has highlighted critical vulnerabilities in local water management and dam infrastructure.
According to a report by Prachachat Business on September 9, 2026, Associate Professor Dr. Sutthisak has analyzed the recent flooding and mudslides in Pua District, Nan. The region experienced an extreme rainfall event, with 384 mm of precipitation recorded over a four-hour period, significantly exceeding critical thresholds.
Dr. Sutthisak identified several systemic weaknesses that exacerbate disaster risks. He criticized current bureaucratic classifications of weather events—specifically the distinction between 'storms' and 'monsoons'—arguing that these definitions lead to lax emergency preparedness. Furthermore, he highlighted the precarious state of small-scale reservoirs in the area. Many of these structures suffer from a lack of maintenance, including failure to clear vegetation from dam crests, which he described as a 'ticking time bomb' that could lead to structural failure and threaten downstream communities.
For residents and travelers in the Pua District, these findings underscore the importance of remaining vigilant during heavy rain, as infrastructure may be less resilient than assumed. The 'trap of perceived safety' can be dangerous in mountainous terrain prone to flash floods. While these expert observations provide a critical assessment of current vulnerabilities, official government confirmation regarding the specific structural integrity of individual reservoirs and any planned remediation efforts remains to be seen.
