Today’s catastrophic downpours have wreaked havoc on Phuket, submerging portions of the island and leaving traffic in complete chaos. Beginning just before midday, torrential rain battered areas like Cherng Talay, Kamala, Thalang, and Kathu, causing dramatic flooding and a partial landslide that left locals shaken.
Officials said that 30 to 50 centimeters of water had accumulated in a particularly hard-hit area, Soi Hua Khuan Nuea, near the famous Phuket FantaSea complex, making the streets look like rivers. Residents in the Bang Wan area demanded assistance right away after several of their homes were submerged.
A worrying partial landslide was caused by the torrential rain in Kamala on the main road heading toward Patong, right next to the Oceana Hotel intersection. One lane of traffic was obstructed when massive boulders fell onto the road, causing a standstill. According to Phuket News, traffic police from Kamala Police Station thankfully intervened quickly to close the affected lane and direct vehicles through the remaining passageway.
A local government official revealed that construction equipment and tractors were sent out to clear the debris. After a frantic clearing operation, the road was reopened to the public, much to the relief of stranded motorists.
“To manage the disruptions caused by the heavy rain, our teams worked tirelessly. The road has been cleared, and traffic is now back to normal.
In order to mitigate the effects of such extreme weather in the future, Phuket must urgently implement improved drainage systems and robust emergency response plans.
Plans for a revolutionary rail connection to Phuket are gaining momentum in related news, but officials are remaining silent. A high-level meeting to evaluate the ambitious project connecting Tha Noon in the Takua Thung district to Phuket International Airport was recently held by Phang Nga Governor Supoj Rotreuang Na Nongkhai.
According to a report published by the National Broadcasting of Thailand (NBT), the 18-kilometer railway that is anticipated to have four stations—Khok Kloi, Tha Noon, Mai Khao, and Phuket International Airport—could revolutionize travel in the region.
