Severe flooding at Samkong intersection

PHUKET: Flash floods at the Samkong intersection created long tailbacks as the weather warning issued by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) remained in effect this morning (story here).

“To deal with the flood at the junction we added one more water pump to the construction site, in addition to the two that are already there,” Samak Luedwonghad, director of the Phuket Highways Office told the Phuket Gazette. ” After the rain stops, it should take only 20 minutes for the water to drain completely.”

Officers are on site to direct traffic.

“If the water gets too high, we will close the road and re-route the traffic,” Mr Samak said.

The warning issued by the DDPM came with a plea for driver’s to be safe during the five day warning period.

“Please drive carefully and wear your seat belt or helmet. If the rain is too heavy, please pull over until driving conditions have improved,” urged Santhawat Riwleung, chief of the DDPM Phuket Office.

— Kongleaphy Keam