Thailand steps up rescue efforts after Typhoon Yagi brings deadly floods

Thailand deployed military special forces in the northern province of Chiang Rai after flooding marooned thousands that authorities are trying to reach with boats and helicopters. Flood waters in Chiang Rai have started receding from some areas of the hard-hit Mai Sai district, but many riverside settlements were still flooded, said the head of the district, Narongpol Kid-an. Local authorities were using boats and helicopters, with support from Thai Navy SEAL special forces, to conduct rescue operations, Narongpol said. At least 33 people have died across Thailand since mid-August from a spate of rain-related incidents including landslides, with nine fatalities this week in two northern provinces hit by adverse weather brought by Typhoon Yagi, according to the government. - Report from Reuters