Severe floods claim lives of rescued elephants in popular Thai destination Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, a popular tourist destination in Thailand, experienced its worst flooding in decades over the weekend, leading to widespread damage and evacuations. Two rescued elephants drowned, and many hotels had to move their guests to safer areas.

Flooding has affected 20 provinces across Thailand and over 8,600 households are dealing with the aftermath, as reported by Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. In Chiang Mai, flash floods submerged the night market, hotels, and a well-known elephant sanctuary.

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The Elephant Nature Park had to evacuate more than 100 elephants and several other animals, including buffaloes, pigs, horses, dogs, cats, and rabbits. Rescuers used boats to lead the elephants along a rope-marked path to safety. However, many roads were impassable, and strong water currents along with poor phone signals complicated the rescue mission.

Unfortunately, two female elephants, Faa Sai and Ploy Thong, did not survive. Saengduean Chailert, the director of the elephant sanctuary, stated that this was the worst flooding the centre had ever faced. “The water rose to three metres and it was so strong that it took out all the big trees. Our cars were swept away. The medical room was destroyed,” she told The Guardian.

Ploy Thong, a blind elephant who had been saved from a riding camp in Pattaya in 2018, was separated from her herd and swept away by the floodwaters. A video appeared to show other elephants waiting for her as she struggled to keep up. Faa Sai, rescued in 2007, had a history of aggressive behaviour due to trauma from abusive training methods. Despite efforts to protect her, she approached the river and was also taken by the strong currents.

Northern Thailand, as well as neighbouring countries, has been battling severe floods in recent weeks, with Typhoon Yagi intensifying the already heavy monsoon rains. The Ping River, which runs through Chiang Mai, reached a record 5.3 metres over the weekend, the highest level in half a century, according to the Bangkok Post.

The floods also submerged Chiang Mai’s famous night market, and large trucks were used to evacuate tourists from the flooded areas. While the floodwaters have started to recede, many major roads remain closed, and several homes are still cut off. At least three people have lost their lives due to the floods in Chiang Mai, including a 44-year-old man who was electrocuted and a 33-year-old woman who was killed in a mudslide.

(With inputs from agencies)