Chiang Mai Hospital Floods, Halts Non-Urgent Care

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Picture courtesy: Naew Na

 

A sudden surge of floodwater inundated Chiang Mai last night, severely affecting Lanna 3 Hospital. Flood levels rose to between knee and waist height in Soi Sukkasem, compelling the hospital to halt non-urgent care until Monday, 30th September, 2024.

 

This announcement came after floodwaters breached the hospital premises, reaching shin level in the parking lot and prompting immediate relocation of staff and vital medical equipment.

 

The hospital's emergency staff worked tirelessly, utilising six-wheel and tall pickup trucks to transfer essential supplies and personnel to safer areas. In an official statement, Lanna 3 Hospital expressed regret for the disruption, stating, “Due to the flooding, Lanna 3 Hospital would like to postpone accepting non-urgent patients till Monday, 30th September, 2024. We apologise for the inconvenience.”

 

The flooding isn’t an isolated incident. Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported that, as of today, 19 provinces including -

 

Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Lampang, Lamphun, Phrae, Tak, Phetchabun, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Loei, Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphun, Ubon Ratchathani, Prachin Buri, and Ayutthaya are grappling with severe flooding. In total, 72 districts, 268 subdistricts, and 1,132 villages have been affected, impacting 26,250 households.

The recent surge in flood events dates back to mid-August. From 16th August to 26th September, floods affected 36 provinces, 193 districts, 845 subdistricts, and 4,355 villages throughout Thailand. The country has witnessed 170,780 households suffering from the devastation, resulting in 49 deaths and 28 injuries, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

The immediate focus remains on rescue and relief, with local authorities providing support to the most affected areas. Meanwhile, citizens are urged to remain vigilant and heed official advisories to ensure their safety amid continuing adverse weather conditions.

 

-- 2024-09-27