A sudden flash flood has forced the closure of Tham Pla – Pha Suea National Park in northern Thailand, stranding park rangers and prompting a rescue operation.
The park’s chief, Kiattisak Wangwon, reported that a swollen stream overflowed and inundated the Tham Pla tourist area around noon on Monday. The water current remains strong, and park rangers have taken refuge on the second floor of the park office.
Meanwhile, in the nearby district of Pang Mapha, authorities have successfully rescued six people including the owners and staff of a local resort, who were trapped by the rising waters. Rescue teams used rubber rafts to evacuate them to safety.
Heavy rainfall and flash floods have prompted the 16th Conservation Office in Mae Sariang to issue an urgent warning to all field units, instructing them to prepare for potential disasters, monitor the safety of personnel and visitors, and close any tourist attractions affected by the floods.
The Department of Water Resources has issued a flood warning for the Pang Kam area of Pang Mapha district, where over 86.5 millimeters of rain have been recorded in the past 12 hours. (TNA)
