Flash floods struck the major Thai tourist destination of Phuket on Monday following severe overnight rainfall, according to local officials. All three districts within the southern island province, encompassing Phuket City, experienced inundation from the rising waters.
Provincial Deputy Governor Romdon Hayiawae reported that while water levels began dropping by late morning, certain lower-lying locations remained flooded, prompting advisories for small vehicles to steer clear. Additionally, parts of the province experienced mudslides, requiring emergency crews to clear debris to prevent blockages in local canals and waterways.
Social media footage depicted torrents of water entering residential neighborhoods and submerging roadways, rendering them impassable. Other imagery captured vehicles partially covered by accumulated mud and rock piles.
Romdon stated that approximately 100 households sustained impacts from the severe weather, though no casualties had been documented.
Meanwhile, the Thai Meteorological Department issued warnings indicating that heavy, continuous rainfall is expected to persist across the southern region through Wednesday, potentially sparking additional flash floods and landslides.
Broader seasonal flooding has affected multiple areas of Thailand since mid-September. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation noted that at least 83 fatalities had been recorded as of Monday, following torrential rains that also submerged Bangkok in late September and forced thousands from their homes.