Heavy rain triggered flash flooding and mudslides in Phuket overnight, blocking roads and prompting emergency crews to clear debris and assist affected residents.
The flooding began after heavy rain early on Monday, when runoff from nearby hills combined with a high tide, preventing water from draining into the sea quickly enough.
Floodwater spilled onto several main roads, reaching about 20-30 centimetres in some areas and damaging cars parked along the roadsides.
Small cars and motorcycles were barred from entering several affected areas, including Na Nai Road, Phang Muang Sai Kor Road, Prachanukhro Road and the Diamond Circle roundabout.
Water levels had begun to fall slightly on some roads by about 4am, but flooding persisted in low-lying areas.
Officials warned that continued heavy rain and another high tide expected at around 8am could worsen the situation.
Mud and debris also flowed down from nearby hills onto Na Nai 5 and Na Nai 8 alleys in Patong, Kathu district, with Na Nai 5 particularly badly affected.
The mud blocked the road, making it impassable to vehicles, while runoff from the hills continued to flow into lower-lying areas.
Officials deployed excavators and other heavy machinery to remove mud, clear the blocked road and improve drainage.
Emergency teams also helped residents move belongings to safer locations, cleared debris and waste, and washed down affected areas to reduce risks and ease the impact of the flooding.
Residents requiring urgent assistance can contact Patong Municipality’s disaster prevention and mitigation division on 076-342-600, which operates around the clock.
At 8.30am, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation issued a Cell Broadcast alert to residents across Phuket, warning that continued rain could cause flash floods, forest runoff, landslides, overflowing waterways and flooding in low-lying areas, along rivers and streams, and on hillsides.
Flood warnings issued across southern Thailand
Heavy rain has also raised flood concerns in Satun, where persistent rain caused water levels in tributary canals to rise. Local authorities raised yellow flags to warn residents of the risk of flash floods and forest runoff.
In Ban Tha Phae Tai, in tambon Tha Phae, Tha Phae district, water from the Bara Ket canal inundated the area to a depth of nearly one metre.
Residents had received advance warnings and were able to move valuables and vehicles to higher ground.
