Floods in Phuket have subsided, with the situation in the old city quarters now back to normal. However, continuous rainfall has triggered landslides that affected the city’s bypass road. People are also urged to remain vigilant against landslides in or near mountainous areas.
Traffic on the outbound section of Phuket City’s bypass road has slowed considerably after the traffic lane was reduced to one due to landslides. Department of Highways officials were using excavators to remove mud and soil from the road. Traffic cones were laid down to seal off lanes that have been affected. Police officials were present to direct traffic.
The landslides began due to rainwater having accumulated in the soil for many days. The roofs of some homes in the locality have been damaged by the landslides. Locals have expressed concern about further landslides if the rain continues to fall. Officials are asking people who will travel through these parts to drive carefully and set aside extra time.
The Department of Mineral Resources is warning people in several southern provinces to beware of landslides and forest runoffs today. These provinces include Chumphon, Ranong, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, Satun, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, and Songkhla. The warning comes due to relentless heavy rains having significantly increased the water content in the soil of mountains. Forest runoffs were also starting to occur in some areas. (NNT)
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