Thailand rushes to rescue elephants, animals from flash floods
BANGKOK, Oct 4 (Reuters) – Authorities and conservationists are rushing to rescue elephants, pigs and buffaloes from flash flooding in Thailand’s northern Chiang Mai province, a senior official said on Friday.
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said 117 elephants had been saved but nine more needed help.
“An operation is underway,” he told reporters.
One village that pigs and buffaloes had been moved to earlier was now completed flooded, conservationist Saengduan Chailert said.
“We don’t know how many elephants will survive, we are going back to help them,” she said.
A herd of elephants were seen running through water, trumpeting loudly in a video posted on social media by Saengduan, founder of the Chiang Mai-based Elephant Nature Park.
One ran slower than the herd because she was blind in both eyes, Saengduan said.
The elephant is Thailand’s national animal. Traditionally, they have been used as work animals but these days are endangered. The beasts have been popular with tourists but increasing awareness of their treatment has seen more go to sanctuaries
Thailand’s northern region has been hit with heavy flooding since August that has killed 49 people and displaced thousands of households. (Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat and Juarawee Kittisilpa; Writing by Chayut Setboonsarng, Editing by Angus MacSwan)
Bangkok: Pihak berkuasa dan pemuliharaan bergegas menyelamatkan gajah, babi dan kerbau daripada banjir kilat di wilayah Chiang Mai utara Thailand, kata seorang pegawai kanan pada Jumaat.
Timbalan Perdana Menteri Phumtham Wechayachai berkata 117 ekor gajah berjaya diselamatkan tetapi sembilan lagi memerlukan bantuan.
“Satu operasi sedang dijalankan,” katanya kepada pemberita.
Kampung tempat babi dan kerbau dipindahkan sebelum ini kini telah ditenggelami air, kata ahli pemuliharaan Saengduan Chailert.
“Kami tidak tahu berapa banyak gajah akan bertahan, kami akan kembali untuk membantu mereka,” katanya.
Sekumpulan gajah dilihat berlari melalui air, membuat bunyi dengan kuat dalam video yang disiarkan di media sosial oleh Saengduan yang juga pengasas Taman Alam Gajah yang berpusat di Chiang Mai.
Seekor berlari lebih perlahan daripada kawanan kerana ia buta kedua-dua matanya, kata Saengduan.
Gajah adalah haiwan kebangsaan Thailand.
Secara tradisinya, mereka telah digunakan sebagai haiwan kerja tetapi hari ini terancam.
Binatang-binatang itu popular di kalangan pelancong tetapi peningkatan kesedaran tentang rawatan mereka menyaksikan gajah itu dihantar ke tempat perlindungan
Wilayah utara Thailand dilanda banjir besar sejak Ogos yang mengorbankan 49 orang dan menyebabkan beribu-ribu isi rumah kehilangan tempat tinggal.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
