Severe Flash Flood and Landslide Hit Phuket: Impact and Response

In the early hours of August 23, 2024, Phuket, Thailand, was struck by a catastrophic flash flood and landslide near Kata Temple in the Mueang district, resulting in one fatality and injuries to four individuals. Thai authorities are currently investigating reports of missing persons, although their identities have not been disclosed.

Flash Flood and Landslide Details

According to Prachachat news agency, intense rainfall beginning around 1 a.m. led to widespread flash flooding and landslides across Phuket. The most severe damage occurred in the vicinity of Kitti Sangkaram Temple, also known as Kata Temple. The landslide in this area resulted in one death and injured four others. FM91 reported that several locals are unaccounted for since the landslide.

Immediate response efforts were launched by the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, with additional support from the Kusol Dham Foundation and disaster prevention offices in the Chalong and Karon sub-districts. Rescue teams are working to provide aid and locate any missing individuals.

Affected Areas

The floodwaters have severely impacted numerous locations throughout Phuket. Key affected areas include:

• Mae Somjit Market
• Luang Phor Chuan Road, near Phuket Orchid Resort & Spa
• The road leading to the Big Buddha
• Chalongsuk community
• Tai Temple Intersection
• Chao Fa Road
• Soi Thanu Thep
• Sot Pramote
• Land and House Village
• Lotus supermarket in Chalong

In Karon sub-district, significant flooding was reported in Soi Patak 2, 10, 28, and 15, Bangla area, Kok Tanote Fire Station, and Kata Beach. Officials have advised motorists to avoid these roads due to high water levels.

Northern Thailand Floods

The flood situation extends beyond Phuket, with severe conditions reported in northern Thailand. Chiang Rai is experiencing its worst flooding in 70 years, resulting in four fatalities. Other severely affected provinces include Phayao, Nan, Phitsanulok, Phrae, and several in Isaan, such as Udon Thani, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom, as well as Suphan Buri in central Thailand.

Former Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Thamanat Prompow, addressed the flood crisis in a meeting with former Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Prompow, whose own home was affected by the floods, downplayed the situation, making a controversial remark linking floods to female prime ministers, referencing the 2011 flood during Yingluck Shinawatra’s tenure.