PHUKET: Old Phuket town, renowned for its quaint streets and vibrant atmosphere, finds itself among 49 locations flagged as vulnerable to flash floods or landslides, as revealed by the Mineral Resources Department on Tuesday. This stunning tourist gem is getting ready to face another bout of adverse weather.
The department’s risk assessment includes the historic old quarter and the bustling Chartered Bank community, both nestled in Muang district. Leveraging a complex mathematical model and in-depth geographic data, the agency meticulously identified villages and communities facing the highest risks.
Just a few weeks ago, on August 23, relentless rainfall triggered devastating landslides, claiming 13 lives, injuring 19, and inflicting damage on over 50 homes. Officials traced the catastrophe back to deforestation on Nak Koet hilltop, where clearance was undertaken to erect the colossal Big Buddha statue.
With ominous forecasts predicting more torrential rains and turbulent seas continuing through Saturday, Phuket’s governor, Sophon Suwannarat, has instructed all emergency agencies to brace for potential flash floods, runoff, and landslides.
In the central plains of Chai Nat province, the Chao Phraya Dam has ramped up its water drainage capacity to 1,449 cubic meters per second in anticipation of increased rainfall from the looming Tropical Storm Yagi. This storm, expected to lash Thailand on Friday, could cause water levels in 11 provinces within the Chao Phraya River Basin, including Bangkok, to surge by as much as 40 centimeters.
Thanet Somboon, the astute director of the Royal Irrigation Department (RID)’s Bureau of Water Management and Hydrology, noted that recent heavy downpours have drenched the northern and northeastern regions, encompassing Chiang Rai, Phayao, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, and Ubon Ratchathani. The eastern and western fringes of the South have not been spared either.
According to Japan’s meteorological agency, higher rainfall is expected within the coming week across the Northeast’s northern tip, the eastern region, and the western part of the South, all thanks to Tropical Storm Yagi now brewing in the Philippines.
Thailand is bracing itself as the storm is set to sweep across the country on Friday, particularly impacting the northern parts of the North and Northeast with increased rainfall. Consequently, the Yom and Nan rivers are poised for a rise in water levels, necessitating water drainage operations in Phrae and Sukhothai by Friday.
Mr. Thanet underscored that this is the first storm this year to touch Thailand, albeit indirectly, stressing that such weather phenomena are not uncommon for September.
The mammoth water mass from the North has already reached the Chao Phraya Dam. While the dam has incrementally upped its drainage rate from 1,399 to 1,449 cubic meters per second, it strives to regulate the water outflow carefully.
Meanwhile, Det Lekwichai, the acting director-general of the RID, has issued warnings to the governors of 11 vital central provinces, which include Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya, Lop Buri, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, and Bangkok. These regions are on high alert for water level increases, with some areas in Ang Thong and Ayutthaya predicted to experience a surge between 25 and 40 centimeters.
This is such a tragedy! I hope the government takes immediate action to protect these vulnerable communities.
Honestly, Anna, I’m not sure it’s only about government negligence. What about the locals? Didn’t they contribute to the deforestation that caused these landslides?
Joe87, I don’t think locals had much say in the deforestation for tourism projects like the Big Buddha statue. It’s more about prioritizing economic gains over environmental safety.
Exactly, PhuketLover. Locals likely had little to no voice in these decisions. This is about mismanagement at higher levels.
The government should have learned from past mistakes. This isn’t the first instance of landslides due to deforestation in Thailand.
Too much focus on tourism has its consequences. Why can’t Phuket just go back to its natural beauty without all these artificial structures?
Mark, tourism is a double-edged sword. It brings in money but often at a high cost to the environment and locals.
Totally! Sustainable tourism should be the key focus. We can’t keep destroying nature for short-term gains.
Isn’t climate change a major contributing factor here? This seems like a global issue, not just poor local management.
You’re right, Bobby. Climate change exacerbates the risks but local mismanagement and deforestation make it much worse.
I think you guys are overreacting to climate change. These things have happened historically too.
Skeptic123, data shows an increase in extreme weather events due to climate change. It’s a real and pressing issue.
Well said, Sal. Ignoring the climate crisis won’t help anyone, least of all vulnerable communities like Phuket.
True, Bobby and Sal. Addressing climate change and local mismanagement should go hand-in-hand.
It’s heartbreaking that something as beautiful as Old Phuket town is at such risk. I visited last year and can’t imagine it facing such devastation.
What about the economic implications for those who rely on tourism? This could really hurt the local economy.
Good point, James. But what’s the alternative? Ignore the environmental issues and let a disaster destroy everything?
It’s a balancing act, James. But ensuring safety should come first. Tourism will eventually recover, but not lives lost.
Fair enough, Emily. It’s just a tough situation all around. I hope they find a way to balance both.
As a Thai local, I’m scared for my family living in impacted areas. We need better disaster management systems in place!
Honestly, this deforestation for tourism needs to stop. We’ve seen enough natural disasters linked to it.
Carlos, stopping it overnight isn’t realistic. Better regulations and planning need to be the focus.
Jake, while regulations are good, sometimes drastic measures are needed to drive the point home.
I wonder if this will change the way tourists view Phuket. Will people still visit amid these risks?
Dave, travelers are often drawn to both beauty and risk. The challenge is to manage these risks without discouraging tourism.
Tamara, true, but I think safety should be prioritized. No tourist spot is worth risking lives for.
Why aren’t there better warning systems in place? This could’ve saved lives in the past and can prevent future tragedies.
Roger, I agree. Early warning systems can make a huge difference in reducing casualty numbers.
Implementing such systems takes time, money, and political will. It’s not as simple as it sounds.
Ken, but isn’t it worth investing in? Lives are literally at stake here.
We always blame the government, but what about individual responsibility? People should stay informed and alert during these times.
Living in Phuket, it’s scary to be constantly at risk. We need community-led initiatives alongside government action.
I think the real issue here is the lack of proper urban planning. Phuket’s rapid development hasn’t been sustainable.
Larry, totally. Urban planning needs to take into account environmental concerns, not just economic benefits.
It’s easier said than done, though. There’s always pressure from the tourism industry to expand quickly.
True, John. But if we don’t start integrating sustainable practices now, the future consequences will be far worse.
What’s with the obsession over big constructions like the Big Buddha? It may attract tourists but at what cost?
Can’t help but feel like so many of these tragedies are preventable. What’s it going to take for authorities to learn?
Let this be a wake-up call for not just Phuket but the whole world about the need for environmental conservation.
Every tragedy teaches us something. Let’s hope lessons are learned before the next disaster strikes.