Flash floods and landslides hit Thailand’s Phuket island after heavy rainfall

Heavy rainfall triggered flash floods and landslides across three districts of Phuket, southern Thailand, damaging homes, shops and vehicles and disrupting transportation, according to local media reports.

The downpours began on the night of October 25 and continued into the early hours of October 26, affecting the districts of Thalang, Mueang Phuket and Kathu. Rainfall across Phuket reached 117 millimeters in the 24 hours leading up to October 26.

On Monday morning, torrents of water carrying soil, rocks and mud swept through the Nanai area of Patong, in Kathu district. The area around Makro Nanai supermarket was among those particularly affected, with debris burying parts of vehicles and reaching residential areas.

As water levels receded, authorities worked with local governments and security forces to clear mud, debris and waste from affected areas. Some sections of Thepkrasattri Road became impassable for smaller vehicles.

Flooding was also reported along Phra Phuket Kaew Road and in the areas of Rawai, Chalong and Choeng Thale.

Authorities warn of further flooding

Thailand’s Department of Meteorology warned that heavy rainfall could continue across the country’s southern region through October 28, increasing the risk of flash floods, strong water currents and landslides.

Authorities urged residents in high-risk areas, particularly near hillsides, waterways and low-lying terrain, to monitor weather conditions and official updates. People were also advised to avoid roads covered by deep or fast-moving water and not to drive through flooded areas.

Separately, Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported that flooding was affecting Bangkok and 20 other provinces as of the morning of October 26, impacting 336,472 households, or approximately 1.01 million people.

In Bangkok, 168,203 households in the Lat Krabang and Nong Chok districts remained affected, although water levels were falling in some areas.