With the recent devastating floods in northern Thailand, the Bishop of Chiang Rai and a dedicated team of volunteers are on a mission to clear the thick mud that now covers churches and homes.
By Chainarong Monthienvichienchai – Thailand, LiCAS News
In the aftermath of the floods, Bishop Joseph Vuthilert Haelom and his parishioners, along with hundreds of hill tribe volunteers, are working tirelessly to remove the mud left behind by the flash flood.
Although the floodwaters have receded, the cleanup efforts are urgent and challenging. Bishop Haelom emphasized the need to act quickly before the mud hardens, making the cleaning process even more difficult.
Fire trucks from Chiang Rai and neighboring Chiang Mai are being deployed to wash away the thick layer of mud that now covers the streets, reaching up to a foot in some areas.
Residents in severely affected neighborhoods are seeking assistance to clear over a meter of mud from their homes.
Notably, the flooding has caused extensive damage to local schools, prompting concerns from Bishop Haelom about the reopening timeline.
Meanwhile, in Udon Thani Diocese in northeastern Thailand, heavy rainfall has led to widespread flooding, submerging the region under up to two meters of water in certain areas.
The floods, triggered by Typhoon Yagi, have caused devastation and loss of life across Southeast Asia, affecting countries from the Philippines to Myanmar.
This year’s flooding in northern and northeastern Thailand has been particularly severe, with residents facing some of the worst conditions in recent memory.
Despite the challenges, the annual parish feast in Nong Khai province went ahead as planned. The Mekong River overflowed, submerging the church where a Mass was held, attended by Bishop Joseph Luechai Thatwisai of Udon Thani.
As priests braved the floodwaters to conduct the Holy Mass in the flooded church, a message of resilience and faith in the face of adversity was shared.
The toll from the recent floods in Thailand has tragically reached 10, with over 73,000 families affected by tropical storm Yagi. Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, popular tourist destinations, have borne the brunt of the storm.
Despite the challenges, key tourist areas remain unaffected, as reassured by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
In Chiang Rai, severe flooding, considered the worst in decades, has claimed lives and affected thousands of families. In neighboring Chiang Mai, which is known for hosting Catholic conferences in Asia, the impact has been similarly devastating.
Other provinces, such as Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun, have also been affected by the floods, with parts of Ang Thong and Ayutthaya submerged due to the overflow of the Chao Phraya River.
As the communities in northern Thailand continue to grapple with the aftermath of the floods, the resilience and spirit of unity shine through as volunteers and local authorities work together to rebuild and restore.
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