Patong mayor urges caution after landslips and road damage

Patong Mayor Chalermsak Maneesri called on residents and drivers to remain vigilant following several landslips, potholes forming on rain-soaked roads, and a large tree falling onto power lines between Patong and Kamala.

A notice was issued by Patong Municipality today, September 20.

“Watch out! Follow the situation of flash floods, forest runoff, flooding, mudslides, and strong wind waves.”

Residents affected by these events can seek assistance at the Emergency Operations Centre for Disaster Relief at Patong Municipality. Reports of incidents can be made to the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, which operates 24 hours a day, at 076-342600.

Repair teams are actively working on fixing roads and drains while officials monitor areas prone to landslides.

Heavy rain and strong winds caused a large tree to collapse onto high-voltage power lines, blocking traffic on the Kamala-Patong road yesterday afternoon, September 19. Patong Traffic Police quickly arrived to section off the area and direct traffic.

Officials from the Patong branch of the Provincial Electricity Authority were present to repair the power lines and remove the fallen tree. Patong Police indicated that if heavy rain continues, the area will remain sectioned off to prevent further incidents, which will slow traffic flow, reported Phuket News.

In related news, a landslide in Mae Ai, Chiang Mai, claimed the life of a village headman who died while saving a young girl. His body was found 10 kilometres away from the scene, amid widespread mourning from the community.

A devastating landslide occurred in Ban Doi Laem, Moo 13, Doi Laem subdistrict, Mae Ai district, Chiang Mai province, resulting in six fatalities and three injuries.

In other news, Suporn Wanichkul, the chairperson of the Phra Phuttha Ming Mongol Sattha 45 Foundation, which oversees Phuket’s iconic Big Buddha, has landed in hot water. Accused of illegal forest encroachment, Suporn now faces serious charges connected to the deadly landslide that rocked the region last month.