A Russian husband and wife, two Thai women (one from Surat Thani and one from Sakon Nakhon) and nine Myanmar nationals lost their lives after heavy rains on Thursday evening into Friday morning caused flash floods and subsequent landslides in Soi Patak 2 in Karon.
There were a further 19 people injured and a total of 209 households left reeling with heavy damage following the landslide that came after 200 millimetres of rainfall was dumped on the area on Thursday evening alone.
Phuket authorities have declared nine villages in three subdistricts as disaster zones due to flooding and mudslides, as follows:
- Chalong Subdistrict, villages 8, 9 and 10, with 40 households or 123 people affected.
- Rawai Subdistrict, villages 1 and 2, with 55 households or 174 people affected.
- Karon Subdistrict, villages 1, 2, 3 and 4, with 114 households or 382 people affected.
Governor Sophon also confirmed that the extensive search and rescue mission, in which specialist K9 resuce dogs were engaged, has now officially ceased.
He also urged prompt assistance for those impacted by the disaster, advising foreign nationals to liaise with their respective embassies for help and guidance.
For Myanmar workers Mr Sophon explained that provincial officials will verify their employment data and coordinate with associated agents to follow up and urgently extend help.
Mr Sophon concluded by saying the clean up operation should last 24-48 hours and he is hopeful that the area can return to normal within that timeframe.
The Governor’s comments came hours after Deputy Interior Minister Chatda Thaiset visited the site to inspect the overall situation while lending support and encouragement to those affected.