Old Phuket Town is among 49 locations classified as vulnerable to flash floods or landslides, according to the Mineral Resources Department, which reported on Tuesday that the tourist island is bracing for another round of severe weather.
The department has identified 49 “at-risk villages,” including the historic quarter and the Chartered Bank community, both popular areas in Muang district.
Utilizing a mathematical model and geographic data, the agency pinpointed communities most susceptible to flooding or landslides.
On August 23, heavy rains caused landslides that resulted in 13 fatalities, 19 injuries, and damage to over 50 homes. Officials attributed the devastation to deforestation on Nak Koet hilltop, where a large statue known as the Big Buddha was being constructed.
With forecasts predicting more heavy rain and rough seas through Saturday, Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat has instructed all agencies to prepare for potential flash floods, runoff, and landslides.
Meanwhile, the Chao Phraya Dam in Chai Nat province has increased its water drainage rate to 1,449 cubic meters per second in anticipation of rising rainfall in the North due to Tropical Storm Yagi, expected to hit Thailand on Friday. Water levels in 11 provinces within the Chao Phraya River Basin, including Bangkok, are projected to rise by up to 40 centimeters.
Thanet Somboon, director of the Royal Irrigation Department (RID)’s Bureau of Water Management and Hydrology, noted that the northern and northeastern regions—specifically Chiang Rai, Phayao, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, and Ubon Ratchathani—recently experienced heavy rainfall, along with the eastern region and western parts of the South.
He stated that Japan’s meteorological agency has predicted increased rainfall over the next seven days for the northern edge of the Northeast, the eastern region, and the western part of the South due to Tropical Storm Yagi, which is currently in the Philippines.
Thailand is expected to be impacted by the storm on Friday, leading to additional rainfall in the northern regions of the North and Northeast. Consequently, water levels in the Yom and Nan rivers are expected to rise, necessitating drainage efforts in Phrae and Sukhothai by Friday.
Mr. Thanet mentioned that this will be the first storm to affect Thailand this year, though not directly, emphasizing that such occurrences are typical in September.
He explained that water from the North had reached the Chao Phraya Dam, which aims to avoid excessive water releases after recently raising its drainage rate from 1,399 to 1,449 cubic meters per second.
Additionally, Det Lekwichai, acting director-general of the RID, alerted governors of 11 central provinces—Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya, Lop Buri, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, and Bangkok—to prepare for rising water levels, with some areas in Ang Thong and Ayutthaya potentially experiencing increases of 25 to 40 centimeters.
