Heavy rain triggers fresh flooding in Phuket as landslide warnings extended

Heavy rain triggered fresh flooding in Phuket, Thailand, on Wednesday, 28 October, inundating roads in the tourist areas of Patong and Karon after more than 15 hours of intermittent rainfall. The flooding disrupted traffic and prompted renewed warnings of flash floods and landslides.

Floodwaters also inundated roads near Kata Noi beach in Karon, where reddish-brown water surged from a drainage system at about 3pm.

The water flowed onto a road in Karon subdistrict, Mueang Phuket district, while heavy rain continued. The road was flanked by structures on both sides, with a drainage channel about 80 centimetres wide on the left. The channel could not accommodate the volume of incoming water, causing it to spill onto the road.

Motorcycles, small cars and electric vehicles were forced to turn back, while some high-clearance pickup trucks managed to pass. Motorists were urged to exercise extreme caution.

In Patong, Kathu district, persistent rain that began the previous night caused flash flooding in several locations. By 5.30pm, affected areas included Na Nai, the approach to Khao 50 Pi, the area in front of Kasem Sap housing estate, Soi 5, Soi 8 and nearby streets.

Floodwaters rose rapidly, inundating roads in less than 30 minutes and making some sections impassable for motorcycles and small cars. The flooding occurred during the evening rush hour, disrupting people returning from work or travelling to buy food and essential supplies.

By 8pm, floodwaters had begun to recede in several areas, particularly Patong, allowing authorities to start clearing roads and removing debris.

Five houses collapse as recovery work continues

Five houses were reported to have collapsed in the Khao 50 Pi area of Patong, although there were no initial reports of injuries.

Volunteers from the Phuket Kusoldharm Foundation's rescue team at Kuan Yang in Patong entered the area to assist affected residents. Agencies also began clearing debris and restoring roads and other affected locations as water levels fell.

The latest flooding followed flash floods and landslides that struck Patong on Monday, 26 October, causing damage provisionally estimated at 100 million baht.

Nanai Road and the route towards Khai Muk Roundabout had reopened to normal traffic after mud, rocks and other debris were removed. The earlier disaster affected homes, vehicles and businesses around Soi Nanai 5, Soi Nanai 8 and nearby streets.

Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee, who reported the provisional damage estimate, called for improvements to drainage infrastructure, warning systems and the long-term management of hillside development. The full extent of the ground movement caused by the landslides had yet to be established.

Despite the reopening of roads, officials continued monitoring rainfall, drainage systems and areas vulnerable to further landslides.

Authorities extend warnings through 29 October

Phuket's provincial advisory was extended through October 29 under Section 15 of Thailand's Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act 2007, warning that heavy rainfall could trigger further flooding, landslides and dangerous coastal conditions.

Residents and visitors were advised to avoid flooded roads and areas vulnerable to landslides, rockfalls and mudslides, and to park vehicles in safe locations. Authorities also warned people against entering the sea or undertaking water-based activities during periods of strong winds and waves.

Households were advised to prepare essential supplies, including dry food, drinking water and medicines, and to monitor official announcements for further warnings. People encountering dangerous situations or needing assistance were urged to contact the relevant authorities.

Karon Municipality separately warned that persistent heavy rain combined with high tides could cause flooding and water to overflow its banks in low-lying areas, particularly around Kata Noi.

The municipality advised residents to move belongings and electrical appliances to higher ground, prepare essential supplies and disconnect electricity if flooding occurred.

Power outage reported after high-voltage line is severed

The Provincial Electricity Authority's Patong branch announced an emergency power outage near Karon Subdistrict Municipality after a high-voltage power line was severed.

Repairs were expected to take three to four hours, according to the announcement. Residents were warned to stay away from the affected area and not to approach or touch the fallen line, which could remain live.

Authorities continued to urge motorists to follow warning signs and instructions from officials, even on roads that had reopened following the earlier flooding.

Investigation identifies debris flow at landslide site

Thailand’s Department of Mineral Resources inspected the landslide site near Soi Nanai 5 on 27 October, following instructions from Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin to develop preventive measures.

Officials recorded cumulative rainfall of 340.5 millimetres at a weather station in Kata. The department said a landslide and flash flood occurred at about 2am on 26 October, when a debris flow carrying granite fragments, gravel and sand travelled downhill, damaged a check dam and road, and swept into nearby homes.

The department attributed the incident to heavy rainfall and geological conditions, including weathered granite that had formed water-retaining soil susceptible to movement.

Phuket has declared emergency disaster areas covering flooding and landslides, enabling agencies to mobilise relief and access disaster funding. Planned measures include improved drainage, a new check dam and equipment to monitor soil movement in high-risk areas.

Patong Municipality will work with provincial authorities and the Department of Mineral Resources to assess vulnerable sites and establish monitoring stations.

Other areas prepare for further rainfall

In Kamala, authorities warned of continued rain, flash flooding and hillside runoff, urging residents to avoid flooded roads and move belongings and electrical appliances to higher ground.

In Phuket City, officials reported normal water levels on 28 October despite continuous rain. Drainage systems and pumping stations were inspected, pumps were operating, and staff were assigned to monitor key locations around the clock.

In Srisoonthorn, officials inspected Bangsat and Na Luek canals on 27 October and prepared to dredge the waterways and remove obstructions to improve drainage.

With the provincial warning extended through 29 October, authorities urged residents and visitors to remain alert, including in areas where floodwaters had receded and roads had reopened.