Chiang Mai landslide death toll rises to 6, 2 more missing (video)
The death toll from the landslide in Mae Ai district, Chiang Mai province, has risen to six, with two more residents reported missing. Rescuers from across the country have converged on northern Thailand to assist locals stranded by the floods.
Two landslides were reported in the Mae Ai district of Chiang Mai on Tuesday, September 10. Six people were initially reported missing, including young children and the community leader who rushed to the scene to help his residents.
The bodies of a 23 year old Thai woman named Kayarat Pafu and a five month old boy named Yatibo were found later in the day, while the body of the community leader, 42 year old Theerayuth Siriwannasathit, was found yesterday, September 11.
The rescue teams continued searching for the three missing people and later found their lifeless bodies. They were identified as a four year old boy named Phakin, a 60 year old woman named Nathor Palo, and a 39 year old woman named Chadaporn Pafu.
Aside from the landslide, the heavy rain also put many provinces in northern Thailand under floods, with the situation being particularly severe in Chiang Rai province.
Many people were seen sitting on the roofs of their homes, waiting for rescue. Their belongings and valuables were damaged or swept away by the floods.
Chiang Rai rescue mission
The strong currents prevented rescuers from entering certain areas and providing assistance. Some residents had to wait for days to be rescued from danger.
For example, an 89 year old pork vendor, Kaew Chainuan, was trapped at his stall in the Mai Lung Khon Market in Chiang Rai. He was submerged in floodwaters and clung to a pole for two days before world champion jet ski athlete Kasidit “Champ” Teerapatheep came to his aid.
Two other Thai women who suffered from leg weakness were also safely rescued by members of the Thai Jet Sports Boating Association after being stranded in the floodwaters for a day.
More people are still awaiting help and support from rescue teams. Last night, the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) sent Royal Thai Navy SEALs to Chiang Rai, along with Assault Amphibious Vehicles, to provide assistance to victims.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stated yesterday that she would begin helping residents affected by the floods as soon as she assumes full power as PM, following the completion of the policy statement to parliament today, September 12.
ORIGINAL STORY: Landslide in Chiang Mai leaves 2 dead, and many stranded
Heavy rain and a subsequent landslide struck Chiang Mai province in northern Thailand yesterday, September 10, resulting in the deaths of two residents, including a young child. Many residents in the area were left stranded by the floods.
Following continuous heavy rain from September 8 until yesterday, two landslides occurred in the Mae Ai district of Chiang Mai. The first incident took place in the Ban Doi Laem community along Highway No. 1314.
The sudden landslide claimed the life of 23 year old Thai woman, Kayarat Pafu. Four other locals were reported missing, including two children aged five months, and four years old
Another landslide hit the Ban Lai Ai community in Chiang Mai. One resident was killed, while another was left injured. Their identities were not disclosed.
Rain continued to fall in the area, causing a power failure. The area also experienced a lack of phone signal, making it difficult for rescue teams to reach and assist those in need.
According to the latest update from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Chiang Mai is not the only province affected by the ongoing heavy rain. Other provinces impacted by flooding include Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Tak, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Ang Thong, and Ayutthaya, affecting a total of 14,328 households.
As a result, many people were stranded by the floods. An elderly pork vendor was seen sitting in the rain on the roof of his stall in Mai Lung Khon Market in Chiang Rai, which had been surrounded by floodwater for over 10 hours. The flood levels continued to rise, and the current was too strong for the rescue team to reach him.
A resident living in a building near the vendor’s stall provided regular updates on social media. Famous Thai actress Panadda Wongphudee and provincial administration officers are attempting to reach the area where the elderly pork vendor is stranded.
Rescue teams reported in the evening that the body of a young child had been found floating in the floodwaters but identification had not yet been made.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, urged the provincial governors of both Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai to closely monitor the flood situation and focus on helping people who are stranded by the floods.
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