By Salma El-Sakka
Flash flooding hit several areas of Phuket, Thailand, on Monday after intense overnight rainfall. The flooding impacted all three districts of the southern island province, including the capital, Phuket City.
Impact on Local Areas and Residents
While water levels began to recede by late morning, several low-lying areas remained submerged. Provincial Deputy Governor Romdon Hayiawae advised owners of small vehicles to avoid these flooded zones. Approximately 100 households were affected by the rising waters.
In addition to the floods, certain parts of the province experienced mudslides. Officials are currently working to clear debris to prevent it from entering canals and obstructing the island's waterways. Social media footage showed floodwaters entering residential neighborhoods and making several roads impassable, with some vehicles partially buried under mud and rocks.
Weather Warnings and Regional Context
No casualties have been reported from this specific incident, according to Romdon. However, the Thai Meteorological Department has issued a warning for heavy and continuous rain across the southern region through Wednesday, which may trigger further flash floods and landslides.
This event follows a period of severe weather in Thailand. Since mid-September, flooding has affected various parts of the country, resulting in at least 83 deaths reported by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. In late September, the capital city of Bangkok also experienced significant flooding after torrential rains forced thousands of residents to evacuate.
