PHUKET: Residents on the resort island have been alerted to a possible sudden flood and mudslide after a forecast of heavy rains in the province and other areas in southern regions.
The risk area is Thalang district, which has been hit by downpours since Thursday evening, the provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation office said.
Phuket deputy governor Prakob Wongmaneerung on Friday ordered officials to stand ready and advised people to closely follow weather forecasts.
The Meteorological Department predicted heavy rains in Phuket on Friday and more than half of the island will be affected until Sunday.
Heavy rains are expected in Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung and Songkhla on the Gulf of Thailand coast throughout Saturday, it added.
Runoff hit Khian Sa district of Surat Thani on Thursday night and villagers in tambon Ban Sadet were forced to evacuate to higher ground, assistant district chief Isrin Phakalertpiriya said on Friday.
Surat Thani governor Wichawut Jinto ordered officials to not lower their guard over possible floods in the district on Friday.
