Phuket lifeguards want all beaches closed temporarily
PHUKET has been lashed by heavy rain since last night with this almost reaching a hundred millimeters and the island’s lifeguards today (Sept. 21) called for all beaches at this popular island to be temporarily closed for the safety of tourists, Thai News Agency reported.
However despite the bad weather all flights were leaving and landing normally at Phuket airport today.
The Thai Meteorological Department issued a warning that during September 21-26, 2017 the southwestern coast will be battered by a strong southern monsoon with frequent heavy downpours in some areas and strong wind and waves in the Andaman Sea.
Those in risky areas of Ranong, Phang-nga, Phuket and Satun provinces were urged to watch out for sudden floods and forest runoffs.
Phuket’s Deputy Governor Sanit Sriwihok said from last night till this morning the whole island has been lashed by heavy downpours leading to some areas being flooded.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation told three Phuket districts and all local administrations to watch the situation carefully.
The heaviest rainfall was in Thalang district at 87.4 millimeters and there were landslides at the route from Baan Laem Sai to the Fisheries Research Development Center on the beach. Highway officials have put cones around them and told people to temporarily use other routes.
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Top and inset: Floods and landslides in Phuket today. Photos: Thai News Agency