Continued downpours hitting Thap Lan National Park in Prachin Buri province have damaged fencing many places and officials are rushing to repair them, to prevent wild animals venturing out of the area, which could pose a danger to both animals and people.
The flooding, caused by several days of heavy rain, has flooded the Thap Lan tunnel, forcing the authorities to close it yesterday (Thursday).
The 250-metre-long tunnel links Khao Yai and Thap Lan national parks. Thap Lan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is Thailand’s second largest park and one of the last intact habitats of endangered species.
Chalermpon Koomthong, a highways chief in Kabin Buri, led a team to survey the damage inside the tunnel today and found that fences and about 200 light bulbs were damaged.
Chalermpon said he will ask the Highways Department to send workers to fix the fences, out of concern that animals could wander onto the road and be hit by vehicles.
“Commuters could be in danger as well, if their vehicle runs into animals,” he said.
Officials have keeping a close watch on water levels and overflows from a reservoir nearby.
