Chiang Rai Woman Swept Away in Flash Flood Found Dead

A 54-year-old woman, Ms. Napa Saengmai, has died after being swept away by a flash flood in Mae Suai District, Chiang Rai, on Sunday morning. Local authorities immediately launched a large-scale search operation following the incident. Witnesses reported that she was pulled into a local stream by the powerful water currents during a severe storm. Rescue teams and local villagers rushed to the scene, scouring the riverbanks for hours. However, the search had to be suspended at 6:00 p.m. due to darkness and dangerous conditions. The search party returned at dawn on Monday to resume operations in the hazardous forest area. Numerous groups, including Mae Suai Police, local district officials, and volunteers from local rescue organizations, joined the effort, covering a wide area along the winding waterway. Just hours into the morning search, the teams made a heartbreaking discovery. Ms. Napa's body was found in the stream at Ban Mae Yang Min village, approximately five kilometers downstream from where she initially fell. This distance underscores the strength and deadliness of the water that morning. After carefully retrieving the victim's body from the muddy water and securing the scene, rescue workers summoned investigators from the Mae Suai Police Station and a doctor from Mae Suai Hospital to conduct official procedures, including confirming the cause of death. Authorities have informed the grieving family of the tragic news, and funeral arrangements are being made. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by sudden storms. Local leaders are strongly urging residents to stay away from rivers and streams during periods of heavy rainfall. Source: Chiang Rai Times