DDPM alerts Phuket City as 10 provinces face flood risk
Phuket City receives a Cell Broadcast flood warning on October 29 as heavy rain puts 10 provinces from Phetchaburi to Trang on flash-flood watch
- Thailand's Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) issued a specific flood warning for Phuket City due to rising water levels in the Bang Yai Canal.
- The alert is part of a broader warning as 10 provinces, including Phuket, have been placed under heightened surveillance for flood risks from persistent heavy rain.
- Authorities have identified specific areas in Phuket, Chumphon, and Prachuap Khiri Khan for 24-hour and 48-hour monitoring due to risks of flash floods and accumulated rainfall.
Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) issued a Cell Broadcast flood warning for Phuket City on Thursday (October 29), urging residents in low-lying and canal-side areas to prepare for possible flooding as water levels in Bang Yai Canal continued to rise.
The warning followed persistent rainfall and water flowing into the canal from surrounding areas, raising concerns about possible overflows and standing floodwater. Residents were advised to monitor water levels, move belongings to higher ground, take precautions against electric shocks and ensure the safety of vulnerable people.
The alert comes as meteorological and water-management authorities monitor heavy rainfall and potential flash floods in 10 provinces, with specific areas placed under 24-hour and 48-hour surveillance.
Heavy rain threatens Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chumphon
The Thai Meteorological Department’s Southern East Coast Meteorological Centre reported at noon on October 29 that bands of heavy rain were continuing over several districts in Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chumphon.
In Prachuap Khiri Khan, the affected districts were Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thap Sakae, Bang Saphan and Bang Saphan Noi.
In Chumphon, heavy rainfall was reported in Pathio, Tha Sae and Mueang Chumphon districts.
The meteorological centre warned residents to remain alert for heavy and accumulated rainfall, strong wind gusts and waves exceeding two metres.
Some areas could experience slow drainage, standing floodwater and rivers overflowing their banks. Communities near hillsides and foothills were also warned about flash floods and rapid run-off.
Boat operators were advised to remain ashore because of dangerous sea conditions.
Ten provinces placed under heightened flood surveillance
The Hydro-Informatics Institute (HII), a public organisation under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, has identified 10 provinces requiring particular attention because of persistent rainfall and the possibility of further heavy to very heavy rain.
The provinces are:
- Phetchaburi
- Prachuap Khiri Khan
- Chumphon
- Ranong
- Surat Thani
- Nakhon Si Thammarat
- Phuket
- Phang Nga
- Krabi
- Trang
The institute warned that prolonged rainfall could trigger flash floods, rapid run-off, rivers overflowing their banks and flooding in urban areas.
Its assessment, updated at 11am on October 29, identified specific communities requiring monitoring over the following 24 and 48 hours.
Flash-flood risks identified for the next 24 hours
The institute’s 24-hour assessment identified flash-flood risk areas in Chumphon and Phuket.
Chumphon
- Tha Sae district: Rap Ro, Salui, Hong Charoen and Hin Kaeo subdistricts.
- Pathio district: Khao Chai Rat and Chum Kho subdistricts.
- Mueang Chumphon district: Tha Yang, Na Thung, Wang Mai and Hat Phan Krai subdistricts.
Phuket
- Mueang Phuket district: Chalong and Rawai subdistricts.
These areas require close monitoring because continued rainfall could cause water levels to rise rapidly and increase the risk of flash flooding.
Special 48-hour flood watch covers three provinces
The institute also identified areas in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon and Phuket requiring heightened surveillance over 48 hours because accumulated rainfall could increase the risk of flooding.
Prachuap Khiri Khan
- Thap Sakae district: Khao Lan subdistrict.
- Bang Saphan district: Kamnoet Nopphakhun, Chai Kasem, Thong Mongkhon and Ron Thong subdistricts.
- Bang Saphan Noi district: Chai Rat and Bang Saphan subdistricts.
Chumphon
- Tha Sae district: Rap Ro and Hin Kaeo subdistricts.
- Pathio district: Khao Chai Rat and Chum Kho subdistricts.
- Mueang Chumphon district: Tha Yang and Na Thung subdistricts.
Phuket
- Kathu district: Kathu subdistrict.
- Thalang district: Mai Khao subdistrict.
- Mueang Phuket district: Chalong and Rawai subdistricts.
The 48-hour monitoring areas reflect the potential for flooding following accumulated rainfall, while the separate 24-hour assessment identifies locations at risk of flash flooding.
Phuket residents urged to monitor Bang Yai Canal
The DDPM warned that water levels in Bang Yai Canal had risen because of accumulated rainfall and inflows from nearby areas, creating a risk of the canal overflowing and flooding surrounding communities.
Residents in low-lying areas and along waterways within Phuket City Municipality were instructed to monitor the situation closely and prepare to move possessions to higher ground.
Authorities also urged residents to take precautions against electric shocks and pay particular attention to vulnerable people.
Those requiring assistance were advised to contact district officials, subdistrict heads, village heads, local government representatives or community leaders.
Emergency assistance is available through:
- Phuket City Municipality’s disaster prevention and mitigation office: 076-211111 or 199
- Phuket City Municipality hotline: 1132
- DDPM emergency hotline: 1784
The DDPM coordinated with mobile network operators AIS, True and NT to distribute the flood warning through the Cell Broadcast system to people in the Phuket City Municipality area.
