CHIANG MAI, Thailand – Severe flooding has impacted the northern region of Thailand, as the Ping River overflowed its banks, causing widespread damage from Chiang Mai city center to the Saraphi District border by Saturday afternoon. As water levels rapidly rose, villagers rushed to move their belongings to higher ground, and traffic jams stretched for kilometers, with the main road out of the city almost impassable.
Both roads alongside the railway tracks have been submerged, creating a new, river-like expanse where the Ping River has overtaken the railway lines. At Nawarat Bridge, a critical water level measurement point (P1), the river was recorded at 5.30 meters at midday, and authorities warned that levels may continue to rise in the coming hours.
The flooding has also triggered a rescue operation involving the Royal Thai Air Force’s Squadron 41, which deployed a helicopter to search for missing elephants from Elephant Nature Park. The park, located in Mae Taeng District, has been cut off by floodwaters and landslides, leaving staff and animals in a precarious situation. Chief mahout Mr. Panapon Thong-ek was flown in to assist in tracking the displaced elephants.
Elephant Nature Park, renowned for its efforts in rescuing and rehabilitating elephants, is facing its worst-ever flooding. Runoff from the Taeng River, a tributary of the overflowing Ping River, has inundated the sanctuary, submerging entire buildings in some areas with water levels reaching up to five meters. Rescue efforts have been complicated as all roads to the park are blocked, and communication lines, including power and phone signals, have been cut off since Thursday (October 3).
Park staff and volunteers have been tirelessly working to move elephants, cows, and water buffalo to higher ground, but several animals have been swept away by the strong currents. The park has issued a plea for assistance from anyone who may spot animals outside the sanctuary.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Chalermchai Sri-on has dispatched emergency response teams to Chiang Mai to bolster the rescue and relief efforts. The Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office is also providing boats to reach the stranded staff and animals.
Elephant Nature Park, home to 125 elephants and a variety of other animals, including cats, pigs, and birds, has turned to social media to update the public. In a statement on their official Facebook page, the park described the situation as the most severe flooding they have ever faced. The park’s team continues to work around the clock to protect the lives of all animals under their care as more rain is expected in the coming days.
“We are doing everything we can to ensure every life is protected. Please keep our animals and teams in your thoughts and prayers,” the park posted, urging supporters to stay informed as rescue efforts continue.