Record Flooding in Ping River Claims Lives of Two Elephants
PUBLISHED: 5 Oct 2024 at 14:12
UPDATED: 5 Oct 2024 at 21:23
Severe flooding has rocked Chiang Mai as the Ping River surged to an unprecedented height of 5.3 metres on Saturday, leading to a tragic outcome for two elephants from a renowned sanctuary in Mae Taeng district.
The river’s water level reached 5.30 metres at the Nawarat Bridge around noon, breaking a 50-year-old record. This alarming rise is compounded by the Mae Nghat Dam’s reservoir, which reported an overflow at 113% of its capacity.
Flooding affected many areas deeply, with waters reaching approximately one metre in some locations. Key economic zones in Chiang Mai faced significant challenges, particularly a business district on Chang Khan Road and the Night Bazaar, both submerged under floodwaters.
Officials have begun evacuating tourists from high-risk areas while some hotels remain operational for those who choose to stay. Chiang Mai International Airport continues its services, though passengers are advised to anticipate additional travel delays.
Devastating Loss at Elephant Sanctuary
In Taeng district, rescue teams are intensively searching for wildlife impacted by the flooding. The famed Elephant Nature Park, home to 126 elephants, was severely affected, with two elephants confirmed dead after being swept away by rising waters.
The deceased elephants, a 16-year-old female named Phang Fah Sai and a 40-year-old blind female named Phloy Thong, were discovered near the Sibsan Resort in Mae Taeng district.
In a moment of sorrow, the park’s founder expressed her grief upon discovering the bodies of the elephants, highlighting the emotional impact of this catastrophe.
Despite advance warnings, the rising floodwaters overwhelmed evacuation efforts, forcing staff to struggle against waters that exceeded three metres in some areas. The entire elephant village is now under severe inundation.
The park manager reported that while animals are housed in fenced enclosures, the floodwaters have breached these barriers. Efforts to locate missing livestock, including cows and buffaloes, are ongoing, although all dogs and cats have been accounted for.
Assistance from rescue workers and volunteers has been vital, while many neighboring elephant camps have sent help in managing and evacuating panicked elephants. The park is now seeking support to rescue 23 elderly and blind horses and is accepting donations of clothing and blankets for displaced animals.
Elephant Nature Park, known for its commitment to rehabilitating and sheltering elephants, also serves as a sanctuary for various other animals including dogs, cats, pigs, and birds.
