The elephant sanctuary, which is located near the city of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, was completely submerged by floodwaters. The reserve's employees managed to save most of the animals, but some of them were carried away by the element. According to the authorities of Elephant Nature Park, this is the worst flood in the history of this region.
The Mae Taeng River flowing near the Elephant Nature Park elephant shelter burst its banks after a wave of extreme rainfall. The reserve is located near the city of Chiang Mai in Thailand. The place was home to over a hundred elephants that had been rescued from mistreatment, including in the tourism industry. There were also many other animals in the park.
“These are the worst floods we have ever experienced, and unfortunately the weather forecast predicts more heavy rainfall in the coming days,” reads a statement from the elephant sanctuary posted on social media.
A video was also published online showing scared animals running away from the flood wave.
Searching for animals carried away by the flood
The water entered the park, so its authorities asked volunteers and the local community for help in transporting the animals to higher areas. Boats were used in the rescue operation as all main roads were blocked by landslides and others were underwater.
– This is the largest evacuation we have ever carried out to save animal lives – Saengduean “Lek” Chailert, founder of Elephant Nature Park, told CNN on Friday. – Unfortunately, there are animals that we were unable to evacuate. Thirteen adult elephants are still trapped in their quarters and are panicking, Saengduean added.
Elephant Nature Park reported that several animals were carried away by the flood wave. These included elephants, buffalos and a cow.
Reuters, Elephant Nature Park, CNN
Main photo source: Reuters