In a dramatic rescue operation on Sunday, multiple tourists were saved from floodwaters in Khao Yai National Park, located in Thailand’s Prachin Buri province. This incident coincided with severe flooding in Trat province, marking the most significant inundation in the area in 30 years.
A group of ten tourists found themselves stranded after runoff trapped them on one side of a stream that feeds into the Sao Noi waterfall in tambon Pho Ngam, Prachantakham district. Rescue teams secured a large rope for the tourists to navigate the treacherous and muddy waters, allowing them to safely reach the opposite bank.
Rescue team leader Amarin Rueansri indicated that conditions had been worsening due to prolonged rainfall in the region. At around 11:30 AM on Sunday, the waterfall’s water turned muddy and surged, making the return passage dangerous for the tourists.
Severe Flooding in Trat Province
Simultaneously, in Trat province, heavy rainfall led to the isolation of nine villages in tambon Sator of Khao Saming district. Flood levels reached unprecedented heights of 120 to 150 centimeters, forcing residents to use boats for transportation amid strong currents that hindered the delivery of essential supplies.
Local roads became impassable, with community leaders noting this was the most severe flooding in tambon Sator in approximately three decades. Rising water levels were attributed to continuous rainfall that began on Saturday and further intensified with runoff from Bo Rai district.
In the western province of Kanchanaburi, a significant deluge in the Khwae Noi River resulted in approximately 70 fish cages being washed downstream, causing an estimated damage of 10 million baht. Prolonged rains across Sai Yok, Sangkhla Buri, and Thong Pha Phum districts, the river’s catchment areas, exacerbated the flooding.
In Sai Yok, around 20 riverside homes and hotels were submerged, prompting evacuations for both residents and tourists. Many visitors opted to cancel their hotel bookings during the holiday weekend.
