Flash floods cause massive traffic jam in Phuket

PHUKET: Flash flooding has caused a major traffic jam on Thepkrasattri Road southbound, with hundreds of vehicles trying to make their way through the catastrophe this afternoon.

Police and Kusoldharm Foundation rescue workers are redirecting small vehicles and motorcycles to use the alternative road in front of Phuket Muang Thalang School.

The flood occurred north of Thalang Town after hours of heavy rains this morning, and downpours are still occurring intermittently throughout the island.

“Cars and motorcycles still cannot get through the flood. Vans, four-wheel-drive pickup trucks and bigger trucks have a better chance of making it through the water,” a rescue worker at the scene told the Phuket Gazette early this afternoon.

“We suggest that anyone who can avoid using the road should do so for now,” he added.

Last week, incessant rains flooded large areas in Patong and Phuket Town, as officials scrambled to help tourists get to safety by using boats and 4×4 vehicles (story here).

— Winai Sarot