CHIANG MAI, Thailand – Severe flooding in Chiang Mai has caused significant damage to a well-known private hospital, forcing the emergency evacuation of patients and staff in the middle of the night on 26 September. The floodwaters, which stemmed from the overflow of Mae Kha Canal into the Ping River, rose rapidly and submerged much of the hospital’s facilities.
Reports indicate that the flooding, which began late last night, is the result of heavy rains filling the Mae Kha Canal, which then overflowed into the Ping River. The rising water levels of the Ping River further exacerbated the situation by pushing floodwaters back into the canal. This led to widespread flooding at Lanna Hospital 3, located in Chang Phueak Subdistrict of Mueang District, Chiang Mai, as well as nearby communities.
The hospital’s ground floor, which includes the patient reception area, emergency room, registration, and X-ray departments, was heavily flooded, with water levels reaching about 15 centimeters. The basement parking area was entirely submerged, trapping dozens of cars, as the water levels rose too quickly for vehicle owners to relocate them in time.
In response to the flooding, the hospital was forced to relocate critically ill patients to safer areas using large trucks and other high-clearance vehicles. The hospital has also announced a temporary suspension of non-urgent medical services, delaying patient appointments until 30 September.
Despite some signs of improvement this morning, with water levels in the city’s rivers starting to recede slightly, the area around the hospital remains flooded. The water outside the hospital’s entrance still measures 50-70 centimeters deep, making access difficult for both hospital staff and the general public.
An employee of a nearby coffee shop recounted the chaos, stating that the water began rising in the early afternoon and quickly surged into the hospital grounds within two hours. Urgent announcements were made to move vehicles from the basement parking, but the water levels escalated too rapidly. By this morning, though the flood had receded by about 10 centimeters, significant flooding persisted, particularly in front of the hospital.
This incident adds to the growing concerns over flooding in Chiang Mai, as authorities continue to monitor water levels and provide assistance to affected areas.
