Roads reopen as floods recede, but residents still on high alert

PHUKET: Police today reopened roads in Phuket’s busiest tourist town of Patong after heavy rain there yesterday delivered floodwaters reaching depths of up to a meter deep, cutting off roads and access throughout the resort town.

The worst affected area was Phang Muang Sai Kor Road in front of the Patong Hospital. Thaweewong Road, including near Loma Park on the Patong beach road, and Sai Nam Yen Road were also affected, with floodwaters reportedly reaching 30cm deep.

Meanwhile, floods in Phuket Town affected Sri Suthat Road, Surin Road, Naka road near Suan Luang park, and Yaowarat Road in Samkong.

Wary of the rising water level in Bang Yai Canal, residents stacked sand bags to prevent floodwaters from inundating their homes and businesses

Their fears have yet to become a wet reality as floodwaters receded overnight, but the sand bags remain in place today as a precaution.

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) at 11:30am today issued its 13th consecutive heavy rain warning.

“Abundant rain is expected over the country and isolated heavy to very heavy rain in the Central, the East and the South. People in the risk areas should beware of severe conditions during [the next few] days,” the warning read.

Strong wind-waves up to two meters high are expected along the Andaman Coast. All ships were advised to proceed with caution.

The advisory forecasts the strong weather conditions to continue through Sunday.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong