Multiple shelters have been established throughout the city to assist residents displaced by flooding in their homes.

On Saturday, flooding was reported in 20 provinces across Thailand, with the majority of affected areas located in the northern region.

Chiang Mai, a popular tourist destination in northern Thailand, experienced widespread flooding on Saturday as heavy seasonal rains caused the main river to overflow its banks. Local authorities ordered evacuations in certain areas and began efforts to pump water from residential zones while clearing blockages from waterways and drains to speed up the water’s retreat.

Multiple shelters were established throughout the city to accommodate residents affected by the flooding. The Chiang Mai city government reported that the Ping River, which flows along the eastern side of the city, had reached critically high levels and had been rising since Friday. Despite this, the provincial irrigation office predicted on Saturday that the water levels would stabilize and return to normal within approximately five days.

Thai media reported on Saturday that evacuation efforts for elephants and other animals from sanctuaries and parks on the outskirts of Chiang Mai were ongoing. About 125 elephants, along with other wildlife, were successfully relocated from the Elephant Nature Park, although some animals instinctively fled to higher ground on their own. Unfortunately, nearly 10 animal shelters in the area have been submerged due to rising floodwaters, intensifying the need for swift action to save more animals.

Chiang Mai Governor Nirat Pongsitthavorn noted that the current flooding, which is the second major deluge in just six weeks, was worse than initially anticipated. The region’s infrastructure and resources are being pushed to their limits as authorities scramble to provide relief and mitigate the damage. This unexpected severity has raised concerns about the city’s flood management system, and further preventive measures are now a pressing issue for local officials.

In response to the flooding, Thailand’s state railway temporarily suspended service to Chiang Mai, a key transportation hub in the north. Trains from Bangkok on the northern line were halted at Lampang, roughly an hour and a half south of Chiang Mai. However, Chiang Mai International Airport continued normal operations on Saturday, ensuring that air travel to and from the city remained unaffected despite the widespread disruption caused by the floods.

The floods were not confined to Chiang Mai alone. Across Thailand, 20 provinces, mostly in the northern part of the country, reported flooding over the weekend. The floods, which have persisted since August, have claimed the lives of at least 49 people and left 28 others injured, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. The extensive damage to infrastructure and communities has been a devastating blow, with rescue and recovery operations continuing in affected areas.

In Bangkok, authorities are also facing a challenging situation. On Saturday, the government announced plans to release more water from the Chao Phraya Dam in Chai Nat province over the next week to prevent the dam from exceeding its capacity. This move, however, may pose additional risks to residents living downstream near waterways, particularly in Bangkok and its surrounding areas, where flooding could worsen as more water is released.

The controlled water release from the Chao Phraya Dam underscores the delicate balance officials must maintain between managing flood levels and preventing further damage. Residents living in flood-prone areas downstream have been urged to stay alert and take precautions, as the impact of this decision will likely be felt in the days to come. With rainfall continuing in parts of the country, authorities are working around the clock to minimize damage and protect lives.

As Thailand grapples with these severe weather conditions, the cumulative toll on infrastructure, wildlife, and human lives continues to rise. Efforts to assist both people and animals affected by the floods remain critical, with the government and various agencies working in tandem to respond to the crisis. With more rain forecasted in the coming days, the challenge is far from over.

The post Travel Disrupted In Thailand As Torrential Floods Submerge Chiang Mai’s Popular Tourist City appeared first on Travel And Tour World.