Phuket weather warning stays in effect as monsoon strengthens
The warning was issued by the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command (Phuket DPMC), which has ordered all relevant agencies to remain on standby and ready to assist the public around the clock.
A Phuket weather warning remained in effect on Saturday, May 16, after the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command ordered all relevant agencies to stay on standby and assist the public around the clock. The warning stems from an urgent directive first issued on Wednesday, May 13, by Vice Governor Suwit Phansengiam, acting on behalf of the governor, following an advisory on strengthening southwest monsoon conditions over the Andaman Sea and Thailand’s west coast.
Officials said the stronger monsoon is expected to bring increased rainfall, with heavy to very heavy rain forecast in parts of the upper Andaman region, including Phuket. Authorities warned that accumulated rain could trigger flash floods and runoff in hillside communities near waterways and in low-lying areas.
Coastal restrictions and boating precautions
Special measures were ordered for coastal areas because of strong winds and rough seas. Agencies were told to install warning flags and ban swimming when conditions become dangerous.
Boat operators, including captains of passenger vessels, were advised to navigate with extreme caution. Officials were also instructed to consider suspending all boats from leaving shore if sea conditions worsen.
At natural tourist attractions, agencies were ordered to cordon off any zones considered unsafe because of heavy rain or landslide risks.
Flood monitoring, pumps and emergency contacts
District offices, local administrative organisations and emergency response units were told to closely monitor weather conditions and high-risk areas throughout the five-day warning period. Flood-prone areas were placed under close surveillance, with orders to speed up drainage work and activate water pumps before water reaches critical levels.
Additional pumps may be deployed in high-risk locations to improve drainage capacity. Personnel and volunteers were assigned to watch vulnerable sites 24 hours a day, including changes in water level and water colour that may signal flash flood risks upstream.
Authorities warned people in low-lying areas to move valuables to higher ground and prepare to evacuate if needed. Emergency assistance is available through local administrative offices, district offices, the disaster hotline 1784, telephone 076-510098, or the Line account “DDPM Emergency Reporting 1784” using Line ID @1784DDPM.
Source: https://www.thephuketnews.com/weather-warning-to-remain-in-effect-100255.php
