UPDATE: The road from Patong to Kamala where the landslide struck early this morning will remain reduced to one lane until further notice for safety reasons, officials announced late Sunday afternoon.
Officials explained that they had hoped to be able to reopen both lanes by sunset today, or at least allow traffic to be able to alternately use the one lane that remains open.
However, the volume of water still flowing onto the road at the site makes the northbound lane at risk of another landslide, said officials.
The decision was made by agreement by the Kamala Traffic Police, Kamala OrBorTor and the Phuket Highways Office.
“We will not allow cars coming from Patong to use the Khuan Yak route,” the officials said.
Motorists travelling from Patong are to use the alternative route, along “the Naka-Layi Road (around the island)” instead, officials noted.
Heavy rain caused a landslide onto the road, on the Khuan Yak Hill at the southern end of Kamala, early at about 5am. (Click here to see location.)
The landslide also brought down two power poles, officials reported.
No injuries were reported in the incident, officials confirmed.
The road was closed fully since for safety. Heavy machinery was been brought in to clear the area.
Workers were brought in to make emergency repairs to the two power poles felled by the landslide.
One lane of the road has now reopened, though motorists are still urged to exercise caution and expect delays while driving through the area.