A landslide caused by heavy rain struck the Kata area in Phuket on Friday morning. (Photo: Phuket Info Center Facebook)
PHUKET – In a devastating series of events, heavy rains triggered landslides across Phuket, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 10 lives, including eight foreigners. The disaster also caused extensive damage to over 50 homes, according to local authorities.
Starting at 1 am on Friday, torrential downpours led to flash floods and landslides in multiple areas across this island paradise, said an official from the provincial office of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. The downpours didn’t discriminate, affecting both local and tourist communities alike.
The hardest-hit regions were tambons Chalong and Karon in the Muang district, impacting approximately 250 households. The most catastrophic landslide struck Soi Patak 2 in tambon Karon, engulfing numerous properties, including a luxurious villa and a campsite for migrant workers. “It’s been a calamitous day,” lamented one official who preferred not to be named.
Thus far, rescuers have discovered 10 bodies amidst the rubble, amongst whom were a Russian couple, six Myanmar workers, and two Thai nationals. The scale of destruction was overwhelming, with about 50 homes either completely destroyed or significantly compromised by enormous rocks and uprooted trees. At least a dozen individuals have been injured at the disaster site.
In a bid to manage the situation, Deputy Governor Srattha Thongkam announced the establishment of a command center and evacuation site located behind Wat Kata nearby. “As of now, we’ve evacuated five households, totaling 25 people,” he stated, emphasizing the need for swift action. Rescue teams are currently scouring four additional locations where more people are feared to be trapped under layers of suffocating mud.
Though steady light rain continued to drizzle into Friday evening, officials confirmed that flooding in most residential areas and roadways had largely receded. However, disaster zones have been declared for villages 1–4 in the Karon subdistrict, villages 1–2 in Rawai, and villages 8–10 in Chalong, signaling a state of emergency that will likely persist for the coming days.
Government spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul emphasized the importance of disseminating accurate information about weather conditions, tourist hotspots, and areas at risk from future rains, floods, or landslides. “Tourists are urged to avoid high-risk zones, and comprehensive safety guidelines have been distributed,” she advised. As the situation continues to evolve, staying informed remains paramount for everyone on the island.
This is heartbreaking. My family and I were planning a trip to Phuket next month. This really puts things into perspective. We’re reconsidering our travel plans.
Safety should always come first! But let’s not forget that their tourism industry will take a massive hit. They need visitors now more than ever to help rebuild.
I understand where you’re coming from, but how can we enjoy a vacation knowing people are suffering and the area is still dangerous?
Tourists also bring in money and jobs, which can actually speed up recovery efforts. Just need to be mindful and respectful.
Yeah, I think waiting a bit is the smart move. It’s not just about the danger; it’s also about giving the locals space to heal and rebuild.
Why weren’t there better preventive measures in place? It’s 2023 for crying out loud. What are the local authorities doing with the funds?
Exactly! This kind of natural disaster is somewhat predictable. Some accountability needs to happen here.
It’s not that simple. Sometimes the rains are way too heavy and no preventive measure can fully help. Blaming authorities doesn’t solve anything.
The truth is, no preventive measure is foolproof when you’re dealing with nature. But yes, city planning and infrastructure need major overhauls in such prone areas.
Thoughts and prayers go out to the families affected. Stay strong, Phuket.
This is what happens when we ignore climate change! These intense weather patterns are only going to increase. When will we learn?
Right! Climate action needs to be taken seriously. This could have been avoided or at least mitigated.
I feel like people are becoming numb to these warnings. They won’t realize until it’s right in front of them.
As someone from the region, let me tell you, this isn’t just about climate change. It’s also about poor infrastructure and lack of preparedness.
So sad to hear about this. I was in Phuket just last year. Beautiful place and lovely people. Wishing them a speedy recovery.
I was there too. It’s tough to imagine places we had fun in being destroyed like that.
Why aren’t these migrant workers given proper living conditions? They’re always the first to suffer in disasters.
True. It’s always the most vulnerable who pay the highest price. This needs to change.
Agreed. They contribute so much yet get treated like they don’t matter.
With all the advanced technologies we have, you’d think we could foresee such disasters better. Drones, satellites, and all that.
We do use advanced tech, but nature’s unpredictability will always be a challenge. What matters is rapid response and preparation.
Agree with TechAdvocate. Plus, local government funding and training for using these technologies is still a big issue.
Fair point. Maybe more international funding and collaboration could help in these regions.
I can’t even imagine the fear and pain those 250 households must be experiencing. We should all donate to the relief efforts if we can.
What can we expect next? Earthquakes? Tsunamis? This area is a ticking time bomb.
The region has always been prone to natural disasters, but life still goes on. We can only prepare and help each other out.
You’re right, Ana. Preparation and community support are key.
Kudos to the rescuer teams. They’re the real heroes in these situations.
Does anyone know if insurance policies typically cover landslide damage in Thailand? This could ruin people’s lives financially.
In many cases, landslide damage isn’t covered unless you have a specific rider. Most people don’t know this until it’s too late.
We have to make sure efforts to rebuild are sustainable and environmentally friendly. This shouldn’t be an opportunity to exploit nature further.
Are the armed forces involved in the rescue efforts? They usually have the best equipment and training for these situations.
Yes, I heard the military is helping out. Their support is crucial in these kinds of emergencies.
I bet there’ll be a lot of finger-pointing in the coming weeks. Local gov, construction companies, and climate activists all blaming each other.
Indeed, but what’s more important is that real changes are implemented to prevent future tragedies.