BANGKOK: The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has issued an urgent evacuation warning for residents in parts of Karon, Phuket, as heavy rain raises the risk of landslides and mudflows from steep slopes.
The warning, issued on Thursday (Oct 29), covers areas around Patak sois 2, 4 and 6 in Karon subdistrict, Mueang Phuket district.
Residents in the affected areas have been instructed to leave their homes and move to safer locations or designated evacuation centres established by Karon Municipality.
Two temporary shelters have been designated at Ban Kata School and Wat Suwan Khirikhet (Wat Karon).
Residents told to avoid hillsides and waterways
The DDPM warned that continued heavy rainfall could trigger landslides and mudflows from steep terrain, posing a serious risk to nearby homes and residents.
People in the affected areas have been advised to prepare important documents, essential medication and other necessary belongings before evacuating.
Special attention should be given to children, older people, people with disabilities and bedridden patients who may need assistance moving to safety.
Residents have also been instructed to avoid foothills, waterways and steep slopes during heavy rain, and not to return to high-risk areas until authorities confirm that conditions are safe.
The DDPM, working with mobile network operators AIS, True and NT, has distributed evacuation warnings through the Cell Broadcast system to mobile phones in the affected areas.
Rising Bang Yai Canal prompts separate flood alert
Earlier on Thursday, the DDPM issued another Cell Broadcast warning for low-lying communities and riverside areas within Phuket City Municipality.
Accumulated rainfall and runoff from neighbouring areas had caused water levels in Bang Yai Canal to rise, increasing the risk of overflowing waterways and localised flooding.
Residents near the canal were urged to monitor water levels closely, move belongings to higher ground and take precautions against electric shocks.
Authorities also advised households to pay particular attention to vulnerable residents and prepare for possible flooding.
People requiring assistance can contact local district officials, village heads, local administrative organisations or community leaders.
The Phuket City Municipality's Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office can be reached on 076-211111 or 199, while the municipal hotline is 1132.
The public can also contact the DDPM's 1784 emergency hotline for disaster-related assistance.
Residents have been urged to follow official announcements and comply strictly with instructions from local authorities as heavy rain continues across Phuket. - The Nation/ANN
