Elephant Swept Away by Flash Floods in Chiang Mai
An elephant was swept downstream by flash floods in Chiang Mai's Mae Wang District on September 19, but managed to reach higher ground as rescue teams coordinated efforts to reach the stranded animal amid rising water levels.
A swift flash flood in the Mae Win stream in Mae Wang District, Chiang Mai, swept an elephant downstream on September 19, 2025, at 10:50 a.m. Mahouts and local residents immediately launched a search operation while rescue teams and relevant agencies coordinated response efforts as water levels continued to rise.
By 11:09 a.m., the elephant had not yet been located. Officials and rescue teams were preparing to enter the Mae Win area and stood ready to assist upon coordination from local area administrators. Elephant Rescue and Doo Chang Doo Doi Chiang Mai had prepared for the mission while awaiting final confirmation and orders from area management, as the flood conditions posed a safety risk to rescuers.
As of 11:38 a.m., the elephant had managed to climb to higher ground, but the mahout team could not cross to reach it due to rising water levels and strong currents. All parties continued search and rescue efforts as mahouts, residents, and elephant lovers nationwide expressed concern for the animal's safety.
