Several provinces in central Thailand braced for floods Sunday after the Irrigation Department announced it was releasing water from a major dam after weeks of frequent heavy rain.

Central provinces, including the capital Bangkok, have been warned of possible flooding as the Irrigation Department plans to release water from the Chao Phraya Dam to keep it under capacity.

Chiang Mai, Thailand’s northern city popular with tourists, has been inundated by widespread flooding as its main river overflowed its banks following heavy seasonal rainfall.

Chang Wat Chiang Mai, Thailand - October 05, 2024 Heavy rainfall swept through northern Thailand on Friday, October 4, causing the second major flood within a week. Residents of Chiang Mai and surrounding areas were forced to evacuate to higher ground,

The Chiang Mai city government said the water level of the Ping River, which runs along the eastern edge of the city, was at critically high levels and was rising since Friday.

Authorities rescued 117 elephants, while at least one had already drowned and 30 more missing The world-famous temple city of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand was once again under water on Friday after heavy monsoon rains battered the region.