Two students found dead after Pattani flash flood tragedy
Drone search and rappelling efforts end in heartbreak as swift waters claim young lives
Two female students who were swept away by a flash flood while exploring Sai Khao Waterfall in Pattani province have been found dead. Their bodies were discovered a kilometre apart despite challenging search conditions. Emergency services resorted to rappelling and drone technology in the search effort.
The incident occurred yesterday, May 3, at 3.15pm, as officials from Na Pradu in Khok Pho district informed that heavy rain had caused a flash flood in Sai Khao National Park. The flood swept away two female tourists in front of their friends. A rescue team from Pho Ngoen, park officials, and local support units were immediately dispatched to assist.
According to friends, the tragedy unfolded quickly as the two women began descending from the stream post-swim. A sudden surge of floodwater, due to accumulated rainfall, descended forcefully from the mountain. The women tried to escape but slipped on rocks, vanishing into the torrent as their friends and park officials watched on helplessly.
The search operation, which lasted nearly two hours, involved rappelling along the stream with drones and thermal equipment. The body of 21 year old Nimulleeha was found near the headwaters. Over an hour later, Firadow was discovered lifeless over a kilometre away, amid a sorrowful atmosphere for those involved in the search.
Officials revealed that a warning had been issued advising tourists to avoid swimming due to continuous heavy rainfall. Around 30 tourists had mostly departed, except for the two unfortunate women.
The flash flood caught them off guard. Following the incident, medical teams from Khok Pho Hospital performed initial autopsies at the scene before transferring the bodies for Islamic funeral rites.
Police are conducting a detailed investigation into the cause and have issued a nationwide warning for tourists to be cautious of flash floods during the rainy season in other national parks. Social media reports indicate that the deceased were students from two prominent universities, reported KhaoSod.
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