Phuket on flood, landslide alert

PHUKET: The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) Phuket Office has issued an official landslide and flash flood warning for Phuket following the recent heavy rains due to Tropical Storm Vamco (story here).

“We issued a warning to all local governments on the island yesterday. We asked them to beware of current weather conditions that could possibly lead to flash flooding and landslides,” DDPM Phuket Office Chief Santhawat Riwleung told the Phuket Gazette.

“Though we have yet to receive any reports of emergencies, we will be watching very carefully due to the amount of rain on the island.”

Local governments are monitoring the situation while the DDPM officers stand by for emergency requests, Mr Santhawat confirmed.

“DDPM officials are on 24-hour standby,” he said. “Residents who need help can contact local authorities or call us at 076-218 444.”

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has reported that the heavy rain will most likely continue throughout the weekend.

Meanwhile, Phuket Marine Chief Phuripat Theerakulpisut is still prohibiting small boats from leaving Phuket for Phi Phi archipelago and Racha Island.

“We will continue to check whether the boat warning should be adjusted to include boats larger than 10 meters,” said Mr Phuripat. “We update the warning day by day, so please stay tuned to weather forecasts and official orders.”

— Chutharat Plerin