Phuket rain and rockslides in Ranong

PHUKET: More than 90mm of rain fell at Phuket International Airport overnight and more rain is on its way, according to the latest weather report from the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD).

More than 41mm of rain fell across Phuket Town while wind speeds gusted above 32km/h, brought on by a low pressure system reaching all the way from the Philippines, across the South China Sea, Vietnam and Thailand to the Bay of Bengal meeting the strong southwest monsoon.

Motorists and beachgoers are urged to exercise caution.

Lifeguards have also issued a flash rip current warning at all west coast beaches on Phuket (story here).

Motorists travelling in Ranong province, north of Phuket, have been warned to look out for falling rocks on the Ranong-Som Paen beach road, after days of heavy rain.

A 5-kilometer section of the road passes high cliffs, where rocks and gravel have fallen, and a mudslide is continuing after heavy rain over the past few days

Rescue workers have been stationed along the 5km section to give on-site warnings to motorists, the provincial public safety and disaster mitigation office said.

The rocks began tumbling a few days ago and number around 100 of various sizes. A large rock fell on the road on Friday and was followed by a 10-tonne rock the next day, office chief Chawalit Nithornrat said.

Additional reporting by The Nation