Thailand: Highway blocked by landslide in Nan (north)

Event

A large-scale landslide occurred overnight August 20-21 in the northern province of Nan, dumping thousands of cubic meters of earth on Highway 1081 between Bo Kluea district and Chaloem Phra Kiat district. The road has been closed until further notice, with a 100-km (60-mi) detour currently in place. The landslide was triggered by heavy rain brought by Tropical Storm Bebinca, which made landfall in neighboring Vietnam on August 20. The rain also led to major flooding elsewhere in the province.

Context

This is the second major landslide to occur in Nan in recent weeks. On July 27, a mudslide killed eight people and destroyed dozens of houses in Bo Kluea district. 

Advice

Individuals in Nan province are advised to keep abreast of the situation, anticipate traffic disruptions, obey instructions issued by the local authorities, and avoid flood-prone areas until the situation stabilizes. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.