KHON KAEN - A storm with strong winds and heavy rain caused widespread flooding in downtown Khon Kaen on Monday night.
The heavy downpour, which began in the evening and lasted two hours, caused flooding on seven major roads in and around the Khon Kaen municipality as of 8.30pm. The highest water level, 50 centimetres, was reported on a section of Mittraphab Road between North Eastern University and Muang Khon Kaen police station, making it impassable for small vehicles.
The storm knocked downed billboards, trees and power lines in several areas. An entrance to Muang Khon Kaen police station was reportedly blocked by a fallen tree. Widespread blackouts were also reported on Lung Muang Road in front of the Fairy Plaza shopping complex and at None Tan community.
Teerasak Teekhayupan, mayor of the Khon Kaen municipality, said authorities were using seven large pumps to drain floodwater in the downtown area to Bueng Kaen Nakhon, a huge lake in the city centre, and Bueng Thoong Sarng Lake, two kilometres northeast of the city.
Officials and volunteers would monitor the flash flood situation at the city’s 27 flood-risk spots throughout the night as the rain has not stopped, Mr Teerasak said.