Land slip near Patong Hill Road, expected rainfall bring warnings from officials

PHUKET: Phuket officials are scrambling to repair land near the Patong Hill road which slid as a result of heavy rains last week.

“We have inspected the road already and have determined that the landslide will not affect residents in the area, as no one lives near the site,” said Phuket Highways Office Director Samak Luedwonghad.

The area – to the left, just past the shooting range as the road ascends from Kathu – is under the jurisdiction of Kathu Municipality, Mr Samak said.

Kathu Mayor Chaianan Sutthikul confirmed to the Phuket Gazette that he had been notified of the landslide and that his officers are working on solutions.

“We are working on a plan to fix it as soon as possible so that the damage does not expand to the road,” Mr Chaianan.

Anyone in Kathu who is inconvenienced by the landslide is urged to call 076-321 500.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has since urged Phuket residents to beware of possible landslides over the weekend as the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has predicted heavy rain for Phuket.

The most up-to-date TMD weather forecast has predicted very cloudy skies and heavy rain for Ranong, Phang Nga and Phuket. Scattered showers are expected over 70 per cent of Phuket today and tomorrow and over 40 per cent from Saturday to Tuesday (link here).

“If heavy rains continue for more than three days, the soil will be saturated, which could cause a landslide,” DDPM Phuket Office Chief San Jantharawong told the Gazette.

“I have already assigned every municipality on the island to be prepared and look after residents’ safety during this time. Anyone in need of assistance is urged to call the DDPM 24-hour hotline 1784 or contact the nearest DDMP or municipality office.”

— Saran Mitrarat