PHUKET — Flash floods swept rocks, soil and mud through a residential and commercial area of Patong early on 26 October, damaging homes, shops and cars as authorities mobilised heavy machinery and volunteers to clear debris from the streets.
The flooding struck the Na Nai neighbourhood in Kathu district at around 03:05 after heavy rain continued throughout the night. The area around Makro Na Nai was among the hardest hit, with floodwaters carrying large amounts of rocks, soil and mud onto roads and into the surrounding community.
Some homes sustained damage, belongings were swept away and vehicles were badly damaged. Several shops were also affected, with floodwaters washing away goods and items inside their premises.
Authorities reported no deaths or injuries as of Monday morning.
At 06:20, Phuket Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom assigned Deputy Governor Romdon Haji-awa, provincial disaster prevention officials and personnel from the Phuket-based Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Centre 18 to inspect flooding and drainage problems along Soi Na Nai 5 in Patong.
Deputy Governor Suwit Phansangiam said the rain had largely stopped, although light showers continued intermittently, and water levels were falling. The overall situation was improving, but landslide debris and rocks remained scattered along a stretch of about one kilometre.
Heavy machinery from Patong Municipality, the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation and Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Centre 18, along with military personnel and volunteers, had been deployed to remove the debris and clean affected areas.
If no further heavy rain occurs, the removal of mud and rocks and the restoration of affected areas are expected to be completed between Monday and Tuesday, Suwit said.
Patong Municipality has designated the affected area a disaster zone to facilitate assistance and compensation under government regulations. A public assistance centre has also been opened, with boxed meals distributed to affected residents. Phuket Governor Chotnarin has provided sticky rice with chicken for distribution as emergency food assistance.
Provincial authorities said they would continue monitoring the situation and coordinating recovery efforts to help residents return to normal daily life as soon as possible.
