Phuket prepares 70 flood shelters for 27,720 people

Phuket authorities have prepared 70 temporary shelters with capacity for 27,720 people as the province strengthens its response to possible flooding, mudslides and flash floods.

The province has identified 66 flood-prone locations: 37 in Mueang Phuket district, 12 in Kathu and 17 in Thalang. It has also identified 133,461 vulnerable people who may need assistance or evacuation during an emergency.

The preparations were outlined at a meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall on 16 October 2026, attended by Vice Governor Romdon Hayiawae and representatives of relevant agencies. Governor Chotinarin Kerdsom delegated Mr Romdon to join an online meeting reviewing flood preparedness across the Sixth Inspection Region.

Phuket has prepared 27 stationary water pumps, six high-capacity mobile pumps and eight water-propulsion units, giving a total of 41 pieces of equipment. More than 8,000 sandbags have been stockpiled and distributed among 19 local administrative organisation service points.

Local administrative organisations have completed canal dredging, drainage-pipe cleaning and obstruction removal at 75 locations, according to the provincial administration. Drainage improvements have also been made at the bridge over Khlong Hua Khuan in Kamala and beneath Phra Metta Road near the Marina Hotel in Patong.

Under the provincial response protocol, personnel and machinery will be deployed to high-risk areas if accumulated rainfall exceeds 60 millimetres in one hour or continuous rainfall surpasses 100mm. Weather forecasts and rainfall data are being coordinated with the Phuket Meteorological Station, the Southern Meteorological Centre (West Coast) and the Phuket Irrigation Project.

The province has established the Phuket Incident Command Centre for Floods, Storms and Mudslides 2026 at Phuket Provincial Hall. Its work is divided into administration, operations and support, while district offices and local administrative organisations have been instructed to establish their own command and emergency operations centres.

Officials, military personnel, police, local government staff and volunteers have been mobilised to assist during emergencies. Warnings can be issued through the Cell Broadcast system, 19 warning towers, public-address systems and the province’s online channels. Emergency medical teams and ambulances are on standby to assist or evacuate vulnerable people.

The preparations follow a visit by Deputy Interior Minister Worasit Liangprasit on 12 October, when officials inspected drainage infrastructure in Phuket Town. Officials reported a combined pumping capacity of more than 70,000 cubic metres per hour at two key sites.

Authorities said weather conditions, rainfall and water levels would continue to be monitored and urged residents and tourists to follow official warnings and remain alert to possible flooding and landslides.