Suwaphak Imsamut, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Mineral Resources, handed over the rainfall measuring devices and landslide risk maps to the 30 community leaders at an event at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday (Sept 11), presided over by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat.
The distribution of the devices ‒ essentially just plastic jars with a measuring label ‒ is part of an initiative to create a local monitoring network aimed at issuing timely warnings to residents in landslide-prone areas, Mr Suwaphak explained.
The headmen were given instruction on the correct methods for using the rainfall gauges, ensuring their proper application for local-level alerts. The measuring labels feature different colours for the level of danger, from green at the bottom indicating a low level of rainfall, to red at the top indicating the jar is almost full, thus indicating the greater risk of flash floods and landslides.
Governor Sophon emphasised the need for such preventive measures following a recent landslide in the Kata ws still of great concern to those affected, said an official report of the event.
The deadly landslide at Kata on Aug 23 killed 13 people, injured 19 others and destroyed or damaged more than 50 homes.
Governor Sophon noted that while soil movement measuring devices would also be provided in the future, the rainfall gauges were an immediate step toward warning residents of potential dangers.
Village leaders were also instructed to form community communication networks, including LINE messaging groups, as a means of early surveillance and sharing warnings.
Mr Suwaphak highlighted that in addition to monitoring equipment, public awareness and understanding of landslide risks remained crucial.
The Department of Mineral Resources has studied risk areas extensively, and the rainfall gauges were designed to enhance local confidence and safety. Training and the use of risk maps will further support these efforts, he said.
The Department of Mineral Resources was also coordinating with Kasetsart University and Prince of Songkla University to develop measures to prevent landslides from reaching communities, adding another layer of protection, Mr Suwaphak added.