Chiang Mai province asked local officials to check flash flood warning systems at all waterfalls in national parks following the death of a Chinese female tourist after she was swept away by the enormous rush of water while visiting a waterfall in Mae Taeng district.
Relevant local government agencies and the private sector, particularly tour companies met yesterday to discuss safety measures for visiting waterfalls during the rainy season. The instruction was given to park officials, disaster relief local officials and communities to check all the existing flood warning systems, monitor weather forecast closely and issue flood alert to residents as well as visitors to waterfalls in their areas.
Special attention was given to waterfalls in popular Doi Suthep-Pui, and Doi Inthanon national parks most frequented by foreign tourists.
Tour companies were also instructed to tighten more safety measures on arranging adventure tours while cooperating with local authorities to establish coordination center to assist tourists, as well as exploring the safe alternative route for tourists to use to avoid waterfall routes in case of torrential rainfall in the areas. Thai PBS
