On Wednesday, Phuket again faced landslides, flooding, and power outages caused by persistent rains lashing the region in recent weeks.
Provincial authorities have declared several districts, including Kathu, Thalang and Muang, “disaster areas” in order to provide assistance to those affected.
In Kathu district’s Tambon Kamala, landslides toppled power poles, causing power outages.
Another landslide also hit the Bang Thong monastery in Tambon Kathu.
Flooding was also reported outside Kathu district, specifically in Tambon Choeng Thale and Tambon Sri Sunthorn in Thalang District.
Thepkasattri Road, located near Phuket Airport, remained underwater while a landslide hit Ban Phak Cheet-Ban Liporn Road in Tambon Pa Khlok.
Authorities also reported that strong-flowing floodwaters destroyed a bridge at Tambon Sri Sunthorn. Pending the structure’s reconstruction, a temporary bridge has been erected to facilitate passage.
Floods also triggered alarms in the commercial area of Phuket municipality in the Muang district.
The Khlong Bang Yai Canal overflowed, leaving Montree and Phuket roads underwater.
Another area that experienced landslides was Ao Yon-Khao Khat Road in Tambon Wichit.
Phuket Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Chief Udomporn Kan said persistent rain and flooding were expected to continue through Thursday or Friday, influenced by a high-pressure system from China and Storm Nesat in the South China Sea.
Mr. Udomporn said that pumps can only “freeze flood levels amid such persistent rain,” as rainfall now exceeds 100mm per day when it is normally less than 100mm.
Travelers heading to Phuket airport should leave early if they hope to get there on time as roads on the way remain congested due to flooding, Mr. Udomporn added.
According to Mr. Udomporn, the water in the local Bang Wad, Khlong Katha, and Khlong Bang Niao reservoirs has exceeded the planned capacity.
Meanwhile, the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization’s president, Rewat Areerop, estimated that flood damage on the resort island accounted for hundreds of millions of baht.
Mr. Rewat said the government should provide financial assistance to Phuket residents due to the disaster, arguing that locals needed help because they are facing the floods’ impact after barely recovering from Covid-19.
