Rain-triggered mudslide blocks Ratsada road in Phuket
The incident occurred on Laem Hong Anusorn Rd, near the Laem Honga intersection, where mud and soil spilled onto the road surface following downpours overnight on Sunday (May 3).
A rain-triggered mudslide blocked Laem Hong Anusorn Rd near the Laem Honga intersection in Ratsada, Phuket, after overnight downpours on Sunday, May 3. Mud and soil spilled across the road surface, creating hazardous driving conditions and prompting an official inspection by 1pm on May 4.
Runoff traced to 40-rai private construction site
Officials said the runoff came from a private construction site of about 40 rai where excavation and land-filling work had been approved. Heavy rain caused soil from the site to slide downhill onto the roadway.
District Chief Siwat Rawangkul inspected the area with Ratsada Mayor Jirayut Songyot and officers from the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office. Authorities ordered immediate road clearance, while the contractor had already begun cleanup work earlier in the day.
Work suspended while engineers assess slide risk
Authorities temporarily suspended the construction project as an initial safety measure while engineers and disaster prevention officials monitor the area for any further slides. Machinery was deployed to remove the mud and restore access as quickly as possible.
Officials also told the project operator to strengthen prevention measures, including building retaining walls and improving drainage to control runoff during future heavy rain.
A further investigation is examining whether negligence or violations of construction rules contributed to the incident. Any breaches could bring administrative penalties under relevant laws, and progress reports are to be submitted to the Phuket Governor.
Source: https://www.thephuketnews.com/rain-triggered-mudslide-blocks-ratsada-road-100119.php
