Phuket schools close after floodwater hits

PHUKET: Phuket City Municipality this morning announced that Phuket Wittayalai School and Satree Phuket School, both on the north side of Phuket Town, are closed today after heavy rains last night caused minor flooding across the island.

The news came as floodwater swept through several areas in nearby Rassada, affecting several housing developments, areas around Phuket Rajabhat University and the Radio Thailand staff accommodation.

Radio Thailand officers told the Phuket Gazette that rising floodwater damaged many household objects.

“Those who could move possessions to the second floor did so,” said one officer.

Power was not cut off to the homes.

Patong was also hit by minor flooding, with Phang Muang Sai Kor Road flooding as usual, causing traffic tailbacks in the area.

Patong Hospital Director Dr Phumin Silaphan told the Gazette that people can still access the hospital, located on the corner of Sai Nam Yen Road and Phang Muang Sai Kor Road.

“We are monitoring the water level. Water in front of the hospital is about half-a-wheel deep. We have no plan to move patients just yet,” he said.

Officers around the island are clearing the floodwater as quickly as possible.

Phuket City Municipality officers are using pumps to drain water from the streets, while Rassada Municipality has workers clearing debris that is blocking drains.

Rassada Mayor Phudit “Ko Noi” Raksarat told the Gazette, “As much as 40 per cent of Rassada municipal area has been affected by the floods, especially in Soi King Kaew.”

Reports are already coming in of floodwater dissipating and of water levels returning to normal.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong