On August 24, the Governor of Phuket, Sophon Suwannarat, confirmed the tragic death toll from the landslide that struck Karon on Thursday evening, August 23. A total of 13 people have lost their lives in the disaster, which was triggered by heavy rains that led to flash floods and subsequent landslides in Soi Patak 2.
Among the victims were a Russian couple, two Thai women from Surat Thani and Sakon Nakhon, and nine Myanmar nationals. The landslide followed an intense downpour, with over 200 millimeters of rainfall recorded in the area on Thursday night alone, causing significant damage and loss of life.
In addition to the fatalities, 19 people sustained injuries, and 209 households were severely affected by the disaster. The landslide left the community in shock, with homes destroyed and lives upended in the aftermath.
Phuket authorities have declared nine villages in three subdistricts as disaster zones due to the extensive flooding and mudslides. The affected areas include:
Chalong Subdistrict: Villages 8, 9, and 10, impacting 40 households and 123 residents.
Rawai Subdistrict: Villages 1 and 2, affecting 55 households and 174 residents.
Karon Subdistrict: Villages 1, 2, 3, and 4, with 114 households and 382 residents affected.
Governor Sophon confirmed that the search and rescue mission, which involved specialist K9 rescue dogs, has officially ended. He emphasized the need for prompt assistance to those impacted, advising foreign nationals to seek help and guidance from their respective embassies. For the Myanmar nationals affected, provincial officials will verify employment data and work with associated agents to provide urgent aid.
Governor Sophon also expressed hope that the cleanup operation, expected to last 24-48 hours, will restore normalcy to the affected areas. His comments followed a visit from Deputy Interior Minister Chatda Thaiset, who inspected the site and offered support to those impacted by the disaster.
This devastating landslide serves as a reminder of the destructive power of nature and the importance of swift and coordinated responses to such emergencies. As Phuket begins the recovery process, the focus remains on providing aid to the victims and restoring the community to its normal state.
