Landslides triggered by intense rainfall in Phuket have resulted in the deaths of at least 10 individuals, including eight foreigners, and have caused damage to more than 50 homes, according to officials on Friday.
An official from the provincial Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported that intense rainfall starting at 1 a.m. on Friday in various parts of the island province caused flash floods and landslides.
The areas most heavily impacted were the tambons Chalong and Karon in Muang district, affecting approximately 250 households, the official noted.
A significant landslide occurred at Soi Patak 2 in tambon Karon, engulfing several buildings, including a villa and a campsite for migrant workers, according to the unnamed official.
To date, rescuers have recovered 10 bodies, including those of a Russian couple, six workers from Myanmar, and two Thai nationals, the official reported.
About 50 homes sustained damage from the disaster, with some crushed under heavy boulders and fallen trees, and roughly a dozen people suffered injuries at the location.
Srattha Thongkam, the Deputy Governor of Phuket, announced that a command center and evacuation site have been set up behind Wat Kata. So far, 25 people from five households have been evacuated, he stated.
Rescue operations are ongoing at four other sites where individuals are suspected to be trapped beneath the debris, Mr. Srattha mentioned.
Although light rain persisted into Friday evening, flooding in most residential areas and roads had largely subsided, according to officials.
Nonetheless, villages 1–4 in Karon subdistrict, villages 1–2 in Rawai, and villages 8–10 in Chalong have been declared disaster zones.
Government spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul emphasized the need to provide precise updates about the weather conditions, tourist locations, and areas prone to severe rain, floods, or landslides.
Tourists are advised to steer clear of high-risk areas, and safety protocols have been issued, she said.
