16 Oct 2022 | 09:00 AM UTC
Thailand: Authorities responding to flooding in Phuket Province Oct. 16
Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in Phuket Province, Thailand as of Oct. 16. Disruptions reported. Further rain forecast.
Event
Authorities are responding to flooding across parts of Phuket Province Oct. 16 following heavy rain overnight Oct. 15-16. Areas most impacted include Thep Kasattri, Si Sunthorn, Patong, Kamala, Choeng Thalay, and Pa Khlok in Thalang district. Authorities have cut off power to multiple areas as a precaution after numerous powerlines were downed in the overnight downpours. Multiple roads in Phuket town, including primary roads, remain impassable due to knee- to waist-high water, while others have been blocked by landslides. The Klong Bangyai canal has overflowed, leading to flooding in some surrounding areas.
Phuket International Airport (HKT) has advised passengers to depart for the airport 3-4 hours earlier than usual due to flooded roads. Flights are operating normally.
The Thai Meteorological Department has warned of further heavy rain in the coming days. Further heavy downpours associated with the thunderstorms could hamper recovery efforts and exacerbate the situation in areas where the ground is already saturated by previous floodwaters.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger further flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.
Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.
Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
