Phatthalung residents evacuate as flash floods hit due to heavy rain
Residents in Phatthalung province were forced to evacuate their homes late last night as relentless rainfall continued to cause flash floods, inundating roads and homes.
At 9.30pm yesterday, February 24, officials reported that heavy rain persisted in the area, prompting highway officials to install warning signs along the Phatthalung-Trang route due to flash floods from the Banthat Range.
The flooding affected the stretch between a PT petrol station and Srinakharin Hospital in Srinakharin district, covering approximately 1 kilometre. The water level was reported to be between 20 and 30 centimetres and continued to rise, necessitating caution for small vehicles using the route.
Since February 23, Phatthalung has experienced continuous heavy rainfall, leading to increased water levels in natural reservoirs across several locations. Homes and agricultural areas near water bodies were flooded, particularly in the upper reaches of Pa Phayom canal in Pa Phayom district, which receives water from the Banthat Range.
The water, tinted red, continued to rise, compounded by rainfall in Lan Khoi subdistrict of Pa Phayom, where accumulated rainfall over 12 hours measured 140.5 millimetres.
Residents living in areas receiving water from Pa Phayom canal, particularly in Sri Banphot and Khuan Khanun districts, were warned to prepare for the evolving situation.
In the subdistricts of Phraek Ha and Khayat in Khuan Khanun district, homes were flooded, prompting rescue foundation staff and provincial disaster prevention officers to assist residents in moving belongings to higher ground for safety. Water levels ranged from 30 to 70 centimetres.
Prakhong, a 67 year old resident in Na Khayat village, Khuan Khanun district, noted that it rained all day, and the water began flooding her home around 8pm. The floodwaters arrived swiftly, necessitating a hurried evacuation of belongings, some of which were damaged in the flood.
This marked the first flooding in four years, with the water changing direction as it inundated homes. Similarly, in village seven, the floodwaters rose quickly, submerging motorcycles and washing machines that could not be moved in time, reported KhaoSod.
Heavy rain, alternating with lighter showers, continued to fall across the province, and the provincial official maintained warnings, urging residents to stay updated with announcements from the Thai Meteorological Department.
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