Illegal construction blamed for landslides

Illegal construction of resorts and buildings in sloping areas in Phuket have created a landslide risk at more than 30 locations, a government geologist said yesterday.

Local administrative bodies must enforce existing laws against such constructions, the creation of new ones or other measures to prevent the practice, said Amnart Tantithamsophon.
Key areas facing the greatest risk are near the Na Nai community, 50-year Road, and Bypass Road where extensive construction of roads and resorts has weakened the soils. The other key area at risk is near the Kathoo waterfall community.
Local bodies should work out new measures such as zoning policies for construction, or the setting up of an early warning system or extensive networks of stations to measure rain water volume, he advised.
The Department of Mineral Resources, meanwhile, has warned of possible landslides in nearby Phang Nga and Ranong as a result of anticipated heavy rain brought about by Depression Hai Thang in the next 24 hours.
The areas at landslide risk in Ranong are Kaper district and Khura Buri and Krapong in Phang Nga, while the risk in other regions, including the North and Northeast where there is a history of landslides, remains high, said Lertsin Saksasakulwong, a senior DMR official.
Two villages in Chiang Mai have been isolated after access to both was blocked by a landslide, following downpours that were the heaviest in two decades.
Repair and dredging of debris by heavy machinery is underway and expected to seal the road within 24 hours, while traffic in and out of both villages is closed, preventing students from going to school and farmers’ crops from being transported to markets.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has asked local authorities to monitor the situation for possible flash floods and landslides in Muang, La Un and Suksamran, which are all located in hilly areas.
Authorities are advised to prepare personnel and machinery needed for possible rescue and recovery operations.