At Least Three Dead as Severe Flooding Hits Chiang Mai, Thailand

Photo : AFP

Chiang Mai, a popular tourist destination in northern Thailand, has been severely impacted by flash floods, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least three individuals. The disaster unfolded after the city’s Ping River reached its highest level in 50 years, swelling to 5.30 meters (17.4 feet) due to torrential rains on Saturday night.

The rising waters inundated the city, forcing residents to navigate thigh-high brown floodwaters. Many tourists were evacuated from their hotels in trucks as conditions deteriorated. The central train station was closed after floodwaters poured in, and train services to the city were suspended.

Saritdet Charoenchai, a public health official, confirmed the fatalities, including a 44-year-old man who was electrocuted and a 33-year-old woman who died in a mudslide. As the situation worsened, over 80 people sought refuge in shelters, with nearly a dozen medical centers forced to close due to the flooding.

In a remarkable rescue effort, elephants were deployed to help evacuate residents trapped by the rising waters. Unfortunately, two elephants from a sanctuary north of the city were reported drowned during the crisis.

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The flooding has not only affected Chiang Mai; it has also impacted several provinces in northern Thailand. Recent heavy downpours have led to significant inundations, with one district reporting its worst floods in 80 years. Currently, 20 of Thailand’s 76 provinces are experiencing flooding, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.

Concerns are rising about further flooding, especially in the capital city of Bangkok. The Irrigation Department announced plans to release water from a major dam in response to weeks of persistent heavy rain, raising fears that the capital could also face inundation.

As the situation continues to unfold, local authorities are working diligently to provide aid and support to affected residents while monitoring the weather conditions closely. The tragic events in Chiang Mai serve as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of natural disasters and the urgent need for preparedness in the face of climate change.