Phuket under flash-flood and heavy rains alert

PHUKET: People living in low-lying areas of Phuket should prepare for potential flash-floods due to heavy monsoon rains, the local Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) office has warned.

“We are on alert for potential emergencies over the next 24 hours. Any serious flooding should be reported to us immediately so that we can provide immediate assistance,” said DDPM-Phuket chief San Jantharawong.

“I recommend that people – especially those living close to beaches or other water sources – closely follow all weather reports. Small boats should also be secured as high waves are expected.”

The DDPM is also requesting relevant authorities to check and maintain dams and other water sources, to mitigate possible flooding.

In the last 24 hours, Phuket Town has been inundated with more than 40mm of rain, the Thai Meteorological Department website shows (click here).

The weather forecast for Phuket over the next four days anticipates scattered to fairly widespread thunderstorms across the region with heavy rains, due to the low-pressure storm front over the Andaman Sea.

Minimum temperatures will be 22-24°C, rising to a maximum of 29-31°C. Waves are expected to reach 2 to 3 meters, and south-westerly winds will reach speeds of 20 to 45kmh.

The forecast for the wider region is much the same: cloudy with fairly widespread thunderstorms and heavy rains across Ranong, Phang Nga, Krabi, Trang and Satun. Minimum temperatures will be 22-24°C and maximum temperatures 29-31°C. Southwesterly winds of 20-40 km/hr are expected.

The upper Andaman, north of Phuket, can also expect waves of between 2 to 3 meters, while south of Krabi similar wave heights are anticipated.

The DDPM can be reached on their emergency hotline: 1784.

— Natthaphol Wittayarungrote