Two elephants drown as severe floods hit Thai sanctuary

Northern Thailand has been ravaged by severe flooding in recent weeks, worsened by Typhoon Yagi, which amplified the region's seasonal monsoon rains.

As reported by The Guardian, over the weekend, the tourist hub of Chiang Mai experienced its worst flooding in decades, causing power outages and forcing hotel evacuations.

Flooding has affected 20 provinces across Thailand, with 8,625 households impacted in the northern region alone, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.

In Chiang Mai, flash floods inundated the night market, hotels, and a well-known elephant sanctuary. More than 100 elephants and hundreds of other animals, including buffalo, pigs, horses, dogs, cats, and rabbits, were evacuated from the Elephant Nature Park. Rescue operations, hindered by strong currents and communication issues, tragically resulted in the drowning of two female elephants—Faa Sai and Ploy Thong.

Saengduean Chailert, director of the sanctuary, described the flooding as the worst in the park’s history. “The water rose to three meters, sweeping away big trees and destroying our medical room,” Chailert said.

Ploy Thong, a blind elephant rescued from a riding camp in 2018, was separated from her herd and swept away by the current. Faa Sai, rescued in 2007, succumbed to the flood despite efforts to keep her safe. Both elephants had a traumatic past, with Faa Sai known for aggressive behavior due to prior mistreatment.

The floods have also taken a toll on the broader region. The Ping River surged to a record 5.3 meters on Saturday night, the highest in 50 years, according to the Bangkok Post. Images of monks wading through shoulder-deep water while carrying coffins from a temple in Muang district were widely shared on social media.

In Chiang Mai, three people have died, including a man electrocuted and a woman killed in a mudslide. Power outages continue in parts of the city, and several hospitals and the local train station remain closed.

Floodwaters have begun to recede, but many roads are still blocked, and homes remain cut off. Authorities in Bangkok and central Thailand have warned of potential flooding along the Chao Phraya River, urging residents in Nonthaburi to take precautions.

[Information sourced from The Guardian]