Heavy rain causes flooding in Patong, Phuket Town

PHUKET: Council workers have installed a battery of pumps along Phang Muang Sai Kor Road in Patong to alleviate flooding, especially in front of Patong Hospital.

The heavy rain yesterday and this morning caused flooding in many areas, with water up to 50 centimeters deep in some parts, said Poonsak Naksena, Chief Administrative Officer (Palad) at Patong Municipality.

About 200 meters of Phang Muang Sai Kor Road are under water, he said.

“Small vehicles should avoid the area. It is low-lying land, and when heavy rain falls, water cannot be drained quick enough,” Palad Poonsak explained.

The 250-million-baht project to improve the busy road, which runs the entire length of Patong from north to south, is on target for completion by next year, he added.

“I believe that when it is done, flooding will no longer be a problem because big drains will be installed along the sides of the road,” Mr Poonsak said.

Several areas in Phuket Town were also affected by minor flooding, including the area in front of the Shell gas station on Surin Road, Yaowarat Road, Bangkok Road, Phang Nga Road, a stretch front of Krung Thai Bank on Rassada Road, and along Wirat Hongyok Road to the south of Phuket Town.

The list of affected areas above does not include all such areas on the island. Motorists are urged to exercise caution whilst driving anywhere in Phuket during the current wet weather.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong