Patong was already dealing with extensive flooding from Wednesday night when the Phuket Governor yesterday morning issued a weather warning, urging residents to beware flash flooding and landslides. The warning remains in effect until Nov 10.
Flooding persisted throughout yesterday in Patong, Rawai and other low-lying areas. A minor landslip on the east side of Patong Hill again brought down a tree and power poles, forcing emergency services to respond and choking traffic to a standstill, just like a previous landslip last Friday (Oct 31).
Patong Police confirmed the landslip occurred at 2:30pm, with a volunteer rescue unit assisting people affected after an electrical pole was damaged. By shortly after 5pm, after acknowledging the severe traffic impact, police urged motorists to avoid Patong Hill entirely.
Patong Police last night reported that the road was finally cleared and reopened to normal traffic at 7:20pm.
Patong Municipality did not report any incidents on 50 Pi Rd, which suffered its own landslip two weeks ago.
In Wichit, officials yesterday worked to quickly clear a landslide on the Khao Khad-Ao Yon Road. Wichit Municipality councillor Jirasak Kepsap joined engineering staff and disaster-prevention officers at the site at 4:30pm after a report that soil and mud had swept across the roadway following prolonged heavy rain.
Backhoe loaders were deployed and the road was cleared to restore safe traffic flow.
Wichit Municipality urged motorists to exercise caution when travelling during the rainy season, especially on steep slopes, and confirmed that teams remain on standby to respond immediately to any further incidents.
Karon Municipality earlier yesterday issued an urgent alert to residents of Kata Soi 6, Soi 8 and Soi 2, warning of potential landslides from the Nakkerd Hills. Residents were asked to prepare to evacuate if conditions worsened. A temporary shelter was set up at Kata School.
At 9:24pm last night, the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM) issued a heavy-rain warning via cell broadcast, citing ongoing rainfall across hillside areas, low-lying zones and canal corridors that could lead to flash floods and mudslides.
Authorities urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, to monitor official updates closely, and to be alert to changes in soil and water conditions if living near slopes or waterways.
The official report did not explain why not all mobile users on the island received the alert.
Phuket Governor Saransak Srikruanetra, in his capacity as provincial disaster-prevention director, has instructed all local authorities to inspect water-flow routes and recurring flood hotspots, and to clear drains and waterways to improve runoff, said an official announcement last night.
He has also requested hourly weather updates from the regional Meteorological Center to support continuous public warnings.
The DDPM, together with districts, local administrative organisations, kamnans, village headmen and other agencies, has deployed officials to monitor at-risk areas 24 hours a day. Red flags remain posted along beaches to warn tourists against swimming amid strong waves and winds.
Residents needing assistance are urged to call the 24-hour safety hotline 1784, or the Phuket DDPM directly at 076-510098 or 076-510097. Assistance can also be requested via Line ID: @DDPM1784.