Koh Chang locals urged to evacuate as more rain predicted

Koh Chang residents in the lowlands and foothills of the island have urged people to evacuate the area after learning more heavy rain is predicted to hit the area following a two-days’ deluge that brought floods and landslides.

Heavy rain hit Koh Chang island in Trat province in the eastern part of Thailand on Wednesday and continued for two days. The water flowed down from the hills to the lowland, causing chaos, and flooding the beaches and roads.

The main areas affected by floods and landslides were in Baan Mab Kang Kao, Baan Klong Son, Baan Haad Sai Khao, Baan Klong Prao, and Baan Kai Bae.

People who live in the area from KC Grande Resort & Spa to the White Sand Beach Resort have been urged to evacuate and follow up on the latest updates and news from the authorities.

The Director of the Moo Koh Chang National Park, Dusit Samutkapong, reported that the flood-hit Klong Prao Beach and the Baan Chai Chet community, and the water level reached 80 centimetres in some areas.

The Deputy Mayor of the Koh Chang sub-district, Theerasak Saruamcheapmasea, revealed that the Baan Klong Son-Baan Haad Sai Khao Road sunk by 30 metres. Mud and rocks were found blocking a number of other roads. Officers said they would monitor and keep clearing them to facilitate commuters.

Theerasak reported that several other local houses, resorts, and restaurants in the area were also affected by the landslides.

Yesterday, one resort in the Klong Son area was destroyed by a landslide, luckily no one was injured.

The landslides also buried a row of houses near Klong Prao Resort. A 79 year old Nuan Chaipimpa was trapped inside her house and buried beneath the mud and building structure. An officer spent about 30 minutes before he rescued her. She was reported to be safe with only minor injuries.

SOURCE: Khaosod | Thai PBS | Thairath | MRG Online

SOURCE: Khaosod | Thai PBS | Thairath | MRG Online