Water pumped from Tham Luang flooding nearby farms

Water pumped from Tham Luang flooding nearby farms

Water pumped out of Tham Luang cave has damaged nearly 14,000 rai of farmland in Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai. (Photo by Patipat Janthong)
Water pumped out of Tham Luang cave has damaged nearly 14,000 rai of farmland in Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai. (Photo by Patipat Janthong)

Almost 14,000 rai of farmland around Tham Luang has been flooded as rescuers continue pumping out water to help divers reach the 13 footballers stranded in the cave.

The Department of Agricultural Extension sent officials in Chiang Rai to assess the damage.

They reported that nearly 14,000 rai of surrounding land owned by 101 farmers was already covered with water being drained from the cave. The affected land comprised 9% of the total area in three tambons -- Sri Muang Chum, Pong Pha and Ban Dai -- in Mae Sai district in Chiang Rai.

Department director-general Somchai Charnnarongkul said on Monday the department will monitor the situation. He suggested the provincial governor declare the three tambons a disaster zone to allow them  to receive compensation at 1,113 baht per rai with a maximum of 30 rai per household.

Rice is the main crop in the area the drained water is flooding into. Although young rice needs water to sprout, too much will killed it off. Pumping of flooded Tham Luang cave began last week.


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