Chiang Mai, well-loved by locals and tourists alike for its beautiful landscape and as the largest city in Northern Thailand, has faced the unfortunate consequences of Thailand’s seasonal monsoons, leading to the overflowing of the Ping River. Although flooding preparations were in place, the residual impact of Typhoon Nagi exacerbated the severity of the inundation. The situation reached critical water levels, resulting in 18 confirmed deaths across Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, including the loss of at least two elephants from a flooded sanctuary.
As of 25 September, 2024, officials reported that the flooding had stabilised and is not expected to worsen further. However, water levels remain critically high, reaching up to 4.45m at Nawarat Bridge. Low-lying areas, such as Phrao Nok, have already experienced significant flooding. Across Chiang Mai, Mae Ai, and Fang districts, a total of 2,978 households have been severely affected.
The disaster’s casualties were caused by flood-related incidents, including drowning, being swept away by strong water currents, and landslide impacts. In Chiang Mai, 6 people have died and 3 are injured, while Chiang Rai has reported 10 dead and 133 injured. Infrastructure damage has forced the closure of Ban Tha Makeng Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital, and emergency shelters have been established in both provinces.
Elephant Nature Park has been hit particularly hard, suffering significant flooding. At least two elephants have died, two are missing, and over 100 elephants, along with hundreds of other animals, remain stranded. Among the deceased is Ploy Thong, a blind elephant believed to have been swept away by strong currents after becoming trapped in a fence during evacuation efforts. For the surviving elephants, relocation has been a struggle, especially for those with physical ailments. Raya, a 67-year-old rescue elephant with a limp, was submerged and stuck at the park, further complicating evacuation procedures. Many elderly and sick elephants continue to require special care and attention.
Rachel Tang
Rachel Tang is the Social Media Manager and a contributing writer at Friday Club., where she combines her expertise in PR and Marketing with a passion for storytelling. She began writing for a media platform early in her career, which sparked a love for storytelling that still drives her work today. With a deep passion for fashion, music, and all things pretty, Rachel is always on the lookout for the next best thing โ and sheโs quick to rave about it to those around her.
