Residents Evacuated After Landslide Hits Baan Kuku Housing Estate

Early this morning (August 28), residents of a housing estate in Baan Kuku, Ratsada, were forced to evacuate after heavy rain triggered a landslide that damaged multiple homes. The incident occurred at the Thepburi housing estate, where emergency services were called to the scene around 5:30 a.m.

Emergency Response and Immediate Action

Emergency response teams, including officers from the Ratsada Municipality and rescue workers from the Phuket Kusoldharm Foundation, arrived promptly, finding residents standing outside their homes in the pouring rain. Initial inspections revealed significant damage to nine two-story townhouses, with eight houses suffering extensive damage due to the landslip. The ground behind the houses remained unstable, raising concerns about potential further movement.

Eyewitness Accounts: Residents Share Their Experiences

One resident, Kanyarat Chakkrawat, 45, shared her harrowing experience. Having moved into her home just 13 days ago, she and her family were still settling in. Around 5 a.m., she was awakened by a loud noise and discovered water pouring into the house from the kitchen area. The family, who had been sleeping on the ground floor, later found the upper floors filled with soil, a clear sign of the landslide’s impact.

Another resident, Mr. Nop, initially mistook the loud noise for a lightning strike. However, upon seeing his neighbors outside in distress, he quickly realized the severity of the situation. Mr. Nop noted that the hillside above the townhouses had been stripped of trees about a year ago, which likely contributed to the soil erosion and subsequent landslide. His home suffered roof damage, while other houses nearby sustained more severe structural damage.

Ongoing Safety Concerns and Monitoring

Local authorities are closely monitoring the area as the ground remains unstable. Disaster response officials have urged residents to remain cautious and avoid returning to their homes until further assessments are completed. Relief efforts are ongoing, with the priority being the safety and well-being of the affected residents.

Conclusion

This landslide in Baan Kuku underscores the importance of proper land management and the potential risks associated with deforestation and heavy rains. As emergency services continue their efforts, the community remains vigilant, hoping for a swift resolution to this alarming situation.