NAN, Thailand – Nan Hospital has urgently evacuated patients from its emergency department after flash floods caused by heavy rain submerged parts of the facility on Wednesday night.
Dr. Natthorn Darapongsathaporn, the hospital’s Deputy Director, confirmed that patients were being relocated to safer wards, with special attention given to those on life support, such as ventilators and dialysis machines.
The hospital received help from volunteers, soldiers, and local rescue units to move patients and medical equipment. They also set up barriers to protect the ICU and operating rooms.
In front of the hospital, the road was flooded, forcing staff to carry patients on stretchers through water for more than 100 meters.
The hospital is now asking people with minor illnesses to go to other clinics and for the public to avoid the flooded road, as water levels are expected to rise.
Rescuers Battle Floods and Darkness
Rescue workers described the chaotic scene of wading through deep, fast-moving water to reach the hospital. One official said their vehicles couldn’t get to the entrance, forcing them to walk through 400 meters of water. They raced against time, working in the dark and rain to move patients, some of whom were on ventilators.
Ambulances Face Detours
Emergency medical technicians reported that many roads were impassable. Ambulances had to constantly change routes, and some could not get through the high water at the hospital’s main entrance. They were forced to use high-clearance vehicles or ask the military for help to bring patients in through a back entrance. (TNA)
