Flash Floods Hit Thailand’s Phuket, Mudslides Bury Vehicles and Disrupt Traffic

Flash floods and mudslides swept through Thailand’s popular tourist island of Phuket on Monday after heavy overnight rain inundated roads, damaged properties and left vehicles partially buried under mud and rocks. Although water levels began receding by late morning, authorities warned of further downpours that could trigger fresh flooding and landslides.

All three districts of Phuket province, including Phuket City, were affected. In Patong, muddy runoff carrying rocks and debris flowed into residential neighbourhoods, shops and roads, particularly around Soi Nanai 5 and Soi Nanai 8. Flooding also disrupted traffic in Phuket City, where water levels reached 30–50 cm on some roads. In Kamala, flooding restricted movement along the route connecting the area with Patong.

Emergency teams, municipal workers and volunteers launched clean-up operations to remove mud and debris, restore road access and prevent drainage channels from becoming blocked. Temporary relief centres were established to assist affected residents and tourists, with food, drinking water and essential supplies arranged.

Around 100 households were reported affected in the initial assessment, while additional damage to vehicles and businesses was reported in Patong. No casualties had been reported in the initial provincial updates.

The threat of further rain remains a major concern. Phuket recorded 128 mm of rainfall in a regional monitoring report on Monday morning. Meteorological authorities warned that heavy to very heavy rain could continue across southern Thailand through October 28, with a wider alert covering 14 southern provinces from October 26 to 29.

Residents in low-lying areas and communities near hillsides and waterways were urged to remain alert and avoid flooded roads.

The flooding comes amid a wider emergency that has affected Thailand since mid-September. At least 83 people nationwide had been reported killed by Monday, highlighting the continuing impact of severe weather across the country.