Picture from responders.

 

August 22, the flood situation in Phayao Province remains critical as heavy rainfall continues, causing flash floods to inundate homes, schools, and agricultural lands across several districts. The powerful floodwaters have swept away structures, including a hut in the middle of a rice field, which was submerged and destroyed by the torrent.

 

In a heart-pounding incident in Pong District, Phayao, a flash flood rapidly engulfed the area, leaving a 56-year-old man stranded in the middle of the floodwaters. The man, a resident of Baan Sae, Moo 6, Khwan Subdistrict, had crossed a stream to collect belongings from under a hut at the edge of the village. However, the sudden surge of floodwater destroyed the hut, sweeping it away, and trapping the man in the middle of a field.

 

Local officials from Khwan Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO) and a team led by Anukul Jamnae and Wichai Kamla responded to the emergency. They ingeniously adapted a large drone, typically used for agricultural purposes, into a rescue drone. The drone was outfitted with a rope and a life jacket, which was flown to the stranded man. After securing the life jacket and tying the rope around himself and to a nearby tree, the man held onto the rope. The team successfully pulled him to safety.

 

Amidst cheers and relief from his family and neighbours , the man was safely brought ashore, thanks to the drone.

 

Video of the incident below.

 

 

-- 2024-08-23

 

 

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Well done that drone team !