Correction: The Phuket News later confirmed that one person was confirmed to have died in the landslide but the search was continuing or another presumed to be dead.
The Phuket Province Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM Phuket), in collaboration with local authorities and various agencies, has deployed teams to the affected zones to assist with rescue operations.
The landslide in Karon, behind Wat Kitti Sangkharam (Wat Kata), resulted in damage to homes, leaving several people injured or unaccounted for. Efforts are underway to locate and rescue those affected.
The victims were Myanmar nationals living in the area for work. Authorities have recovered the body of a woman, estimated to be around 35-40 years old, from the landslide in Kata, Soi Patak 8. Her body has been sent to Vachira Phuket Hospital.
Additionally, a man’s body was found inside one of the affected homes. The search continues for a missing child and woman, according to local residents.
Additional areas in Chalong were affected by the rain, including Mae Somchit Market, Luang Phor Chuan Rd and the area around the Big Buddha Chalongsuk Village. Roads in the areas were submerged, and even this morning had traffic severely disrupted.
Phuket Vice Governor Sattha Thongkham has joined a team of officials to inspect the damage in affected areas.
Governor Sophon Suwannarat has also coordinated with the Phuket Provincial Electricity Authority to cut off power in the most affected areas to prevent further hazards.
Despite ongoing rescue efforts, light rain this morning continued to fall in the area, complicating the situation.
Officials have set up a command centre at Wat Kata to coordinate efforts with Karon Municipality.
Meanwhile, the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) has dispatched disaster relief teams and machinery to aid the people in distress.
The Kusoldharm Foundation has also sent personnel and equipment to support the relief efforts.
While floodwaters have mostly receded, some roads remain challenging to pass, and traffic is still not running smoothly, report officials.
Additional reporting by Eakkapop Thongtub