Chiang Mai, a popular tourist destination in northern Thailand, is currently facing severe flooding due to heavy seasonal rainfall causing the main river to overflow its banks. Authorities have initiated evacuations and are actively working to pump water out of residential areas while clearing obstructions from waterways and drains to facilitate faster water recession.
Multiple shelters have been established across the city to provide refuge for residents whose homes have been flooded. The Ping River, situated along the eastern edge of Chiang Mai, has reached critically high levels and has been steadily rising since Friday. Despite this, the provincial irrigation office has forecasted that the water level is expected to stabilize and return to normal within approximately five days.
Efforts are underway to evacuate elephants and other animals from sanctuaries and parks on the outskirts of the city. Reports indicate that around 125 elephants, along with other animals, have been relocated to safety, with some elephants managing to escape to higher ground on their own. Additionally, about 10 animal shelters in the area have been affected by the flooding.
Chiang Mai Governor mentioned that the current flooding, which marks the second instance in six weeks, has surpassed initial expectations. The state railway has suspended services to Chiang Mai, redirecting trains on the northern line from Bangkok to Lampang, located approximately 1.5 hours south of Chiang Mai. However, Chiang Mai International Airport remains operational despite the challenging conditions.
Reports of flooding have emerged from 20 Thai provinces, predominantly in the northern regions. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation disclosed that at least 49 individuals have lost their lives, while 28 others sustained injuries in flood-related incidents since August.
In Bangkok, the government announced plans to increase the outflow of water from the Chao Phraya Dam in Chai Nat province over the next week to prevent it from exceeding its capacity. This decision may impact residents residing downstream near waterways in Thailand's central region, including Bangkok and its surrounding areas.
