FLOODING in northern Thailand worsened today (Sep. 13) after more dykes collapsed in both Chiang Rai and Sukhothai with rescuers unable to reach those trapped in small alleys in the former province, TV Channel 7 said.
At 3.30 p.m. rescuers were alerted to evacuate residents in Baan Ngim and Baan Farm areas of Chiang Rai City district after fast-flowing floodwaters gushed in their homes.
However large boats were unable to reach people in small alleys including the elderly, children, bed-ridden patients and women who did not have enough food and drinking water. This led to using jet skis and drones to deliver food to them.
The number of flood victims has increased because earlier after floodwaters dropped people started returning to their homes but the water level again rose after the dykes broke.
Earlier in the day a Friends in Need Volunteers Foundation’s boat carrying rescuers and media capsized in strong currents while distributing food and water to flood victims in Mae Sai district.
The rescuers and reporters tried to keep their boat afloat but it slowly sank and they all had to get off it and stand in the water amidst the strong currents waiting for help. The boat slowly refloated and they rushed to hold on to it before being swept away.
Fortunately a backhoe was in this area and it drove in to help them using the loader to lift two to three of them out of the water at a time and onto the large vehicle.
Just then a jet ski capsized and two persons riding it were being swept away but again fortunately they were rescued by the navy operating in the area.
CAPTION:
Severe flooding in Chiang Rai after more dykes collapsed today, Sep. 13, 2024. Photos: Naewna
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