In Pictures: Massive flood hits Chiang Mai in Thailand

Widespread flooding hit Chiang Mai, Thailand’s northern tourist city, on Saturday due to heavy rainfall and the overflow of the Ping River. Authorities ordered evacuations and set up shelters while pumping out floodwaters from residential areas. The flooding affected numerous homes and businesses, with key zones under one meter of water. Chiang Mai’s government reported the river’s water level was critically high. Photo credit: @Weathermonitors/X

Chiang Mai’s Ping River, running through the city’s eastern side, peaked at 5.3 meters on Saturday. Authorities warned residents of rising water levels and forecasted that the river would remain high for at least five days before receding. Many tourist areas were submerged, prompting evacuations. The province’s irrigation office worked with local authorities to clear drainage system blockages. Photo credit: @LoaKhamNum/X

Floodwaters inundated several elephant sanctuaries and parks near Chiang Mai, threatening hundreds of animals. About 125 elephants were evacuated to safer ground, but rescue teams struggled to locate several swept away by the flood. Tragically, at least two elephants were found dead in Mae Taeng district, and many animals from the famous Elephant Nature Park were reported missing as the park remained flooded. Photo credit: @Weathermonitors/X

Rescue efforts for elephants continued as authorities used infrared cameras from helicopters to locate stranded animals. Chiang Mai’s Elephant Nature Park, home to over 100 elephants, reported severe flooding, with water levels over three meters, overwhelming the animals’ enclosures. Elephants were not chained but stayed in fenced areas, which floodwaters breached. Park founder Saengduean Chailert expressed deep sorrow as her team worked tirelessly to save the remaining animals. Photo credit: @Facebook

The flooding had a significant impact on Chiang Mai's key economic areas, including the well-known Night Bazaar and the Chang Khan Road business district. Waters over a meter deep forced businesses to close, stalling recovery efforts after the city’s earlier floods in late September. Local businesses struggled with the repeated inundations, as the damage threatened to prolong the city’s recovery. Several hotels remained open, accommodating stranded tourists. Photo credit: @Weathermonitors/X

Flooding affected 20 Thai provinces, not just Chiang Mai. Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported 49 flood-related deaths since August in northern provinces. In Bangkok, authorities warned residents about potential flooding from the Chao Phraya Dam. Downstream residents, including Bangkok and surrounding areas, should prepare for rising water levels. Photo credit: @Weathermonitors/X

Experts cited urbanization and deforestation as factors worsening flooding in northern Thailand. The expansion of agricultural land and communities, along with more frequent forest fires, has reduced the region’s water absorption capacity. Unplanned urban expansion in Chiang Mai disrupted drainage systems, contributing to severe flash floods. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation emphasized the need for improved city planning to manage future flooding risks. Photo credit: @Weathermonitors/X