Mae Hong Son, THAILAND – A hiking group was trapped by flash floods near Doi Lak Saen on Wednesday, June 3rd, and was safely rescued during a nighttime operation. The incident and subsequent warnings from authorities highlight the risks of flooding during the rainy season for both tourists and residents.
Flash Floods Make Path Impassable
Heavy rainfall caused the Huai Pu River to rise rapidly, cutting off the hiking route near Doi Lak Saen. The group was unable to cross the watercourse safely and subsequently sent their GPS coordinates to authorities.
Nighttime Rescue by Local Units
Officials from the Mae Sariang Volunteer Defence Corps, working with staff from the Mae Sariang National Park and other agencies, launched a rescue operation on Wednesday evening. The rescue teams located all individuals using the coordinates and safely guided them out of the forest.
Inconsistent Group Size Reporting
Initial reports stated 18 stranded tourists; later information indicated a group of 13 individuals, consisting of eight men and five women. The source of this discrepancy in numbers was not specified.
Check at Mae Sariang Immigration Checkpoint
The rescued individuals were escorted to the Mae Sariang Immigration Checkpoint. There, officials verified their well-being and confirmed their numbers. Following the checks, the tourists proceeded with their journeys towards their respective hometowns.
District Chief Warns Against Forest Tours During Rainy Season
District Chief Worasak Phanthong urged residents and travelers to avoid forests during the rainy season or to plan routes meticulously, issuing recommendations for preparedness. He advised fully charging mobile phones and carrying a power bank. He warned of the danger of flash floods and recommended always carrying communication devices for prompt reaction in case of danger.