Deadly Toll of Storm Wipha: 7 fatalities, 143 injuries, and 43 health facilities damaged
Tropical Storm Wipha Leaves Limited Impact on Hospitals in Northern Thailand
As of July 29, 2025, Tropical Storm Wipha has affected seven provinces in northern Thailand, with five still experiencing the aftermath [1]. The storm has resulted in seven reported deaths, 143 injuries, and one missing person [1].
Seven hospitals have been affected by the storm, with six remaining operational and one partially closed [1]. The partially closed hospital is located in Chiang Rai Province, where emergency cases are being managed only [3].
In Chiang Rai, three Subdistrict Health Promotion Hospitals (SHPHs) have been affected, but all remain operational [1]. The Thoeng Public Health Office has also been affected in Phrae Province.
Phrae Province has been hit hard, with two more hospitals, Thoeng Hospital and Doi Luang Hospital, being affected, and one SHPH closed [1]. However, three out of four affected SHPHs in Phrae remain operational [1].
Nan Province has been affected the most, with 11 SHPHs being affected, but eight remain operational, while three have been closed due to the storm [1]. Nan Hospital in Nan Province has been closed as well.
In Phayao Province, all 11 affected SHPHs remain operational [1].
The Ministry of Public Health continues to assess and support affected health facilities, activating emergency operations centers in Chiang Rai, Nan, Phayao, and Sukhothai to manage healthcare during the disaster [1]. The Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) has been activated at the provincial level in these provinces.
The operational hospitals in the affected provinces include Wiang Sa Hospital, Chiang Klang Hospital, Mae Charim Hospital, Nan Public Health Office, Bo Kleua Public Health Office, and Chiang Kham Hospital [1].
Despite the storm's damage, the Ministry is maintaining active emergency management and medical support in all affected provinces to ensure ongoing health care services [1][4]. The storm has caused significant flooding and damage, but most hospitals remain operational with limited partial closures.
References:
[1] Ministry of Public Health, Thailand. (2025). Situation Report on Tropical Storm Wipha. Retrieved from www.moph.go.th
[3] Chiang Rai Times. (2025). Chiang Rai's Thoeng Hospital Partially Closed Due to Tropical Storm Wipha. Retrieved from www.chiangraitimes.com
[4] Phayao Provincial Public Health Office. (2025). Phayao's Health Facilities Remain Operational Despite Tropical Storm Wipha. Retrieved from www.phayaohealth.go.th
- The tropical storm has impacted the health and wellness sector, causing seven reported deaths, 143 injuries, and one missing person, while some hospitals in northern Thailand underwent limited partial closures as a result.
- Amidst the general news of the storm's damage, science and medical-conditions have been highlighted, with six of the affected hospitals in northern Thailand continuing to offer medical services, and some Subdistrict Health Promotion Hospitals being closed temporarily.
- While crime and justice may not be directly related to Tropical Storm Wipha, the aftermath of the storm has led to restrictions on access to certain health facilities, particularly in Chiang Rai Province, where emergency cases are being managed only.
