The cleanup in Kamala featured an all-star cast, joined by Phuket Vice Governor Sattha Thongkham, Phuket Provincial Chief Administrative Office (Palad) Suwit Suriyawong, Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum and Kas Sentoyeap, Director of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) Center, District 18 office based in Phuket.
Kathu District Chief Theeraphong Chuaychu welcomed the high-ranking entourage and provided updates on the flood situation in Kamala.
The flood had significantly affected Kamala, with garbage and mud infiltrating homes. Although the situation in Kamala had improved, much of Thalang District, including Tambon Thepkrasattri, remained flooded.
In response, teams had deployed water pumps to expedite drainage from affected areas, Mr Theeraphong said.
Despite the ongoing challenges, the Governor assured that progress is being made. “The water levels are decreasing, and we expect Baan Don and Thepkrasattri areas to see significant improvement soon," he said.
Efforts continued to assist approximately 50 residents still sheltering at Wat Thepkrasattri School with food, survival equipment and safety measures, he adsed.
“It is anticipated that these residents will return home today to begin cleaning their properties,” Governor Sophon said.
Phuket Airport has resumed normal operations following diverted flights and flooding of the main roads to access to the airport.
Government agencies are actively working across affected areas to provide relief, Governor Sophon said, while expressing gratitude to the local community, clubs, associations and foundations for their swift mobilisation to help those affected by the floods.
Local administrative organisations (OrBorTor and municipalities) have been tasked with surveying the damage and to facilitate the relief process in accordance with regulations and laws, Governor Sophon said.
The most heavily affected areas, including Kamala, Kathu and Thepkrasattri, will receive special attention, he added.
Future plans will focus on preventive measures, such as installing water pumps in high-risk areas to mitigate flooding, he noted.
A disaster area declaration is expected for approximately six to seven subdistricts (tambon) in Kathu and Thalang Districts, enabling local authorities to provide necessary assistance, Governor Sophon said.
As data is reviewed, further areas for action will be announced, he added.
DAMAGE REPORT
DDPM Phuket reported at least 740 households, comprising 1,468 people, directly affected by the flash floods yesterday.
The flooding struck 41 villages and four communities in seven tambon (subdistricts) across two districts, Kathu and Thalang, DDPM Phuket noted in their report.
In Kathu District, 50 households and 45 individuals were affected. In Kamala, six village areas (Moo Baan 1-6) and four communities ‒ Pak Kang Lao, Phakdee, Ban Nuea and Kathu Waterfall ‒ were affected.
But in Thalang District, 690 households and 1,423 individuals living in 35 village areas (moo baan) across five tambon (subdistricts) were directly affected by the floods: Moo Baan 1-8 in Srisoonthorn; Moo Baan 1-11 in Thepkrasattri; Moo Baan 1-6 in Cherng Talay; Moo Baan 1-9 in Pa Khlok; and Moo 5 in Sakhu.
“While the rain has stopped, floodwaters remain in some low-lying areas, and it is expected to take approximately 24 hours for conditions to return to normal. Major roads, including Route 402 (Thepkrasattri Rd), are now passable, and air transport has resumed normal operations,” DDPM Phuket said.
Local government organisations, DDPM District 18 office and DDPM Phuket, and related agencies, have provided initial assistance. Surveys for additional damages are ongoing, the DDPM said in its report.
Evacuations had taken place in Thepkrasattri, with 20 people taking refuge at Pakrong Cheep School in Moo 9 and a further 100 people at Wat Thepkrasattri (Wat Baan Don) in Moo 4.
“The Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Directorate urges all units and the public to remain vigilant and closely monitor the situation, especially in areas prone to repeated flooding. Precautions should be taken to lift belongings to higher ground for safety, as continued rain may lead to further flash floods,” DDPM Phuket warned.
ASSISTANCE
Governor Sophon and other high-ranking provincial officials, including DDPM Phuket Chief Sophon Thongsai, joined Thepkrasattri Mayor Sittichai Chantawat in handing out essential items to people displaced by the floods seeking refuge at the temporary shelter at Wat Thepkrasattri School in Thalang yesterday. The flood victims were handed out relief bags, bedding, hygiene kits as well as clothing and blankets, and received moral support for coping with their situation.
As the floods took hold yesterday, Vice Admiral Suchat Thammapitakwet ordered an urgent mobilisation of personnel from the Royal thai Navy Third Area Command, based at Cape Panwa, to assist people affected by the flash floods, covering areas from Kamala and Cherng Talay and to Srisoonthorn and Thepkrasattri to Koh Kaew and Mai Khao.
In Koh Kaew, DDPM Phuket, Navy personnel, Phuket City Municipality, Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) and Koh Kaew Tambon Administrative Organisation (OrBorTor) altogether managed to deploy five water trucks to assist with the cleanup, mostly of mud covered streets affected by runoff in the area.
In Patong, Mayor Chalermsak Maneesri oversaw cleanup operations, including the clearing of debris from the Pak Bang Canal to allow as much runoff as possible to flow to the sea. Local residents were urged to contact Patong Municipality for any assistance, and to be wary of any further flooding by more heavy downpours.
Mayor Chalermsak also ordered lifeguards to monitor all areas along Patong beach and to instruct tourists not to swim in the water when there are strong waves and in areas where there are rip currents, marked with red ‘no swimming’ flags.