Floods impact 30,000 families across 20 provinces in Thailand
A woman wades through thigh-deep waters with some of her belongings. PHOTO: AFP
Heavy rains and floods inundated some 20 provinces and effected at least 30,000 families across Thailand.
Several regions of Thailand have been hit by flash floods, torrential rains and landslides over recent weeks, with Typhoon Yagi, Asia’s most powerful storm this year, increasing the seasonal monsoon rainfall. The floods have destroyed or damaged around 8,625 households, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM).
According to DDPM, flooding in Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Buri Ram, Chaiyaphum, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Kalasin, Lampang, Lamphun, Maha Sarakham, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan, Phetchabun, Phitsanulok, Sing Buri, Sukhothai, Suphan Buri, Tak, Ubon Ratchathani and Udon Thani provinces have affected 34,373 families.
At least 26 people have been killed across the country due to floods since Aug16.
Floods drown 2 elephants
A search-and-rescue operation has been launched after two elephants drowned from flooding at Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, one of the hardest-hit cities.
An "all-out effort" is underway to locate animals stranded in rising waters and fast-moving flood currents, authorities said.
Royal Thai Air Force helicopters are also taking part in the operation.
The park is home to 126 elephants, two of which have been confirmed dead after being swept away by the floodwaters.
Phang Fah Sai, a female elephant, was found dead near the Sibsan resort in Mae Taeng district on Saturday morning, while the other dead elephant is believed to be Plang Mae Khor, who had a disabled leg.