Wild monsoon weather interrupts Phuket power supply

PHUKET: The torrential rain and Force 7 winds gusting over 50kmh overnight and throughout this afternoon are causing power disruptions to many parts of Phuket, including the resort town of Patong.

“We have been experiencing problems with power supply cables from Thalang to Patong since early this morning,” Somchai Krueapat of the Provincial Electricity Authority confirmed.

Power supply to areas in parts of Thalang, Kathu and Muang Districts, including Koh Kaew subdistrict, have been interrupted every few hours.

“Sometimes the heavy rain and the strong wind blows down branches or fells small trees that land on power lines. When that happens the power might go off for just a few seconds, or we may need to send a team out to fix the problem,” said Mr Somchai.

The power cables affected feed supply to areas in Samkong, Phuket Town, Patong, Kalim, Kamala, Kata, Karon, Chalong and Thalang.

“At the moment our officers are working on it. We expect a return to normal service soon,” Mr Somchai added.

— Orawin Narabal