Saturday, October 5, 2024 Chiang Mai, a popular tourist destination in northern Thailand, experienced widespread flooding on Saturday as heavy seasonal rains caused the main river to overflow its banks. Local authorities ordered evacuations in certain areas and began efforts to pump water from residential zones while clearing blockages from waterways and drains to speed up the water’s retreat. Multiple shelters were established throughout the city to accommodate residents affected by the flooding.
The Chiang Mai city government reported that the Ping River, which flows along the eastern side of the city, had reached critically high levels and had been rising since Friday. Despite this, the provincial irrigation office predicted on Saturday that the water levels would stabilize and return to normal within approximately five days. Thai media reported on Saturday that evacuation efforts for elephants and other animals from sanctuaries and parks on the outskirts of Chiang Mai were ongoing.
About 125 elephants, along with other wildlife, were successfully relocated from the Elephant Nature Park, although some animals instinctively fled to higher ground on their own. Unfortunately, nearly 10 animal shelters in the area have been submerged due to rising floodwaters, intensifying the need for swift action to save more animals. Chiang Mai Governor Nirat Pongsitthavorn noted that the current flooding, which is the second major deluge in just six weeks, was worse than initially antici.
