Depending of which government agency issued the warning, the warning is for yesterday through to Sunday (Sept 17-23), today through Saturday Friday (Sept 18-21) or Thursday through Sunday (Sept 19-23).
In one report issued today (Sept 18), Worasit Phutjib, Mueang Phuket District Chief, said that the flooding situation is due to continuous rain. Several areas in Mueang Phuket District have suffered flooding, and local officials have been ordered on continuous alert.
Last night, several areas in Mueang Phuket District were flooded, including:
- Patak Rd in front of Por Piang Market in Moo 2 Karon (Baan Kata)
- In front of Pimprapai Mansion on Baan Kuku Rd in Moo 2, Ratsada (Baan Kuku)
- Chalermprakiat Ror 9 Rd (the bypass road), at the entrance to the Darasamut Underpass
- Chao Fa West Rd, in front of Wat Chalong
- Wiset Rd, Chalong Circle, Moo 5, Rawai (Baan Ha Yaek)
- Khoktanod Intersection in Moo 9, Chalong (Baan Khoktanod)
- Tha Kraeng Intersection in Tambon Talat Nuea, Phuket Town
- In front of the SuperCheap branch on Patak Rd in Moo 1, Karon (Baan Karon)
The Mueang Phuket District Office has ordered personnel from the Phuket branch of the Volunteer Defense Corps (OrSor) to move quickly, led by the Deputy District Chief, to be ready to enter the disaster area if requested. Said the report.
Phuket City Municipality is maintaining its now standing order for local residents to beware flooding, especially those with homes or businesses near the Bang Yai Canal.
The canal makes its way through Phuket Town and empties into Phuket Bay (Ao Phuket). The canal receives runoff from upstream areas, including from southern parts of Ratsada and from Kathu, greatly increasing its water level.
Phuket Town officials urged residents to be prepared for any impending flooding, especially during high tide, when the canal’s flow into Ao Phuket is restricted.
Also, Phuket Marine Office Director Natchaphong Pranit today issued a navigation warning (Announcement No. 47/2024) following a weather advisory from the Thai Meteorological Department.
The advisory, in effect from Sept 18-21, warns of strong winds and high waves in both the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.
Waves in the Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf are expected to reach two to four metres in height, particularly in areas experiencing thunderstorms.
All vessels are urged to exercise caution, avoid thundershowers and stay near the coast. Smaller boats, especially those shorter than 14 metres, are advised to remain onshore.
Mr Natchaphong emphasised that boats in the Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf should not venture out to sea during this time.
Vessel operators are also required to ensure that their ships are fully equipped with safety equipment, including life-saving tools, life jackets, firefighting equipment, and communication devices. Additionally, shipmasters must regularly check the weather forecasts and heed all updates from the Thai Meteorological Department and related government agencies.
Meanwhile, the Phuket Highways Office Chief Somkit Kittisopit was on site yesterday to inspect the damage done to a section of Wist Rd that collapsed in the Saiyuan area.
Also present was a host of officials, along with Chalong Police Chief Pol Col Ekkarat Plaiduang.
Repairs to the damaged section of road, at Km. 19+600, have yet to begin.
The area has been sectioned off for safety. Police yesterday diverted southbound traffic to use one of the northbound lanes.
While the situation remains unresolved, motorists have been advised to avoid the area and use Saiyuan Rd to travel southbound to the Rawai Beach area.
Additional reporting by Eakkapop Thongtub