Monday, October 7, 2024 Several provinces in central Thailand prepared for flooding as the Irrigation Department announced water releases from a major dam after weeks of heavy rain. Although the rain ceased in Chiang Mai , many residents, especially the elderly, remained stranded in areas where floodwaters reached waist-height. Rescue teams, often using boats, distributed food and evacuated those in need.
In some areas, electricity was cut off for safety reasons, while tourist hotspots like the Night Bazaar and Tha Pae Gate were submerged under a meter of water. Authorities ordered evacuations and worked to pump water from residential areas. Efforts to clear waterways and drains are ongoing to speed up the receding of water.
Shelters were set up across the city for displaced residents, and the Ping River was at critically high levels. The irrigation office predicted water levels would stabilize and return to normal within five days. Local media reported that rescue teams were also evacuating elephants and other animals from nearby parks and sanctuaries.
Around 125 elephants and other animals were safely relocated from Elephant Nature Park , although some animals had already escaped to higher ground. Chiang Mai’s Governor Nirat Pongsitthavorn noted that the recent floods exceeded expectations and were the second instance of severe flooding in six weeks. Rail services to Chiang Mai were suspended, and trains from Bangkok were terminating in Lampang , approximately 1.
5 hours s.
