The death toll from the devastating flash flood and landslide in Phuket has tragically risen to nine, with two of the deceased being Russian nationals. The incident occurred in the early hours of August 23, following heavy rainfall that led to a flash flood and landslide in a community near Kitti Sangkatam Temple in the Mueang district of Phuket. The residential area, located near the mountain, bore the brunt of the natural disaster.
Search and Rescue Efforts:
According to reports, ten people were injured during the incident, while dozens of residents remain missing. The search operation for the missing individuals is ongoing, with relevant government officials and rescuers working tirelessly to locate them. The affected area has been declared a disaster zone, with three sub-districts – Karon, Rawai, and Chalong – designated as emergency disaster relief zones.
Firsthand Account:
Sukhon Nakmart, a 34-year-old Thai woman who survived the landslide, shared her harrowing experience with ThaiRath. She recounted how the landslide occurred while she was sleeping, with the sound of her home breaking apart waking her up. Sukhon made a quick decision to flee her home and seek refuge on the roof of a nearby building. Despite suffering mild injuries to her eyebrow, arms, and legs, she managed to escape the worst of the disaster.
Identifying the Victims:
The initial report indicated that one resident was killed in the incident, while four others sustained injuries. However, as the search and rescue efforts continued, the death toll climbed to nine, with the discovery of seven bodies in Soi Patak 8 and one in Soi Patak 2. Among the deceased, one was a Thai national, six were Burmese, and two were Russian.
Continued Recovery Efforts:
Despite the rising death toll, the search operation has not been called off, as there are still residents unaccounted for in the aftermath of the flood and landslide. The community remains in a state of shock and grief as they grapple with the loss of their loved ones and the destruction of their homes.
Impact on Phuket:
The devastating natural disaster has left a lasting impact on Phuket, a popular holiday resort known for its scenic beauty and vibrant tourism industry. The flash flood and landslide have not only claimed lives but also caused widespread damage to the infrastructure and disrupted the lives of the local residents.
Response from Authorities:
In the wake of the tragedy, government officials, rescue teams, and volunteers have mobilized to provide assistance to the affected community. The cooperation between various agencies and organizations has been crucial in coordinating rescue efforts and providing support to those in need.
Northern Thailand Floods:
The flood situation in northern Thailand has also reached critical levels, with provinces like Chiang Rai experiencing the most severe flooding in decades. The disaster has claimed the lives of four Thai residents, highlighting the widespread impact of the natural calamity across the region.
Former Minister’s Remarks:
Former Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Thamanat Prompow, addressed the flood situation during a meeting with former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Phumtham Wechayachai. Thamanat reassured residents affected by the flooding, sharing his own experience of being impacted by the disaster. However, his inappropriate joke about floods and female prime ministers drew criticism for its insensitivity in the face of a grave humanitarian crisis.
In Conclusion:
The aftermath of the flash flood and landslide in Phuket has left a trail of devastation, claiming lives, causing injuries, and displacing residents. As the search for missing individuals continues and the community grapples with the aftermath of the disaster, the resilience and solidarity of the people of Phuket shine through as they come together to support one another in their time of need.