600 Pigs Hauled To Safety By Boat Through Chest-Deep Floodwater In Thailand

Soldiers wade through chest-deep brown floodwater as they move hundreds of pigs by boat from a flooded farm to safety.

The Royal Thai Army’s 19th Military Circle disaster relief center sent volunteer troops to help farmers affected by flooding in Sa Kaeo province on September 27. The operation moved about 600 pigs from Ban Khok Khao Niao in Mueang Sa Kaeo district out of the danger zone.

Metal flatboats packed with pigs were pushed and guided through the flooded area by personnel wearing green and orange life vests. Ropes stretched along the roadside as corrugated metal fences and farm buildings stood partly submerged.

The Department of Livestock reported that floodwater at the farm reached about one meter deep, blocking vehicles and forcing rescuers to use boats to transport the animals. Its count was 650 pigs, all of which were reported moved to safety.

The department said flooding has affected 10 provinces, with 2,313 farmers affected and more than 715,000 animals in flood zones. The same military unit was also supporting drone deliveries of food and water to communities cut off by the floodwater.