Authorities on the southern island of Phuket have commenced rehabilitation efforts in areas affected by a devastating landslide in Muang district, following the recovery of all 13 missing victims’ bodies. The search was halted on Saturday afternoon after the final three bodies were discovered, bringing the total death toll to 13. The victims, who were either workers or visitors from outside Phuket, were caught in the landslide that struck three sub-districts in Muang: Chalong, Karon, and Rawai.
The disaster, which affected 209 families across nine villages, left 19 people injured, three of whom remained hospitalized as of Sunday. Of the 13 fatalities, nine were Myanmar nationals, including four men and five women. The remaining victims were a Russian couple and two Thai women from Surat Thani and Sakon Nakhon provinces. The discovery of the Russian couple, found in an embrace, particularly resonated with the public, underscoring the tragedy’s emotional impact.
Efforts to repair the damage began on Sunday, according to Sophon Thongsai, chief of Phuket’s disaster prevention and mitigation office. The focus is on restoring public utilities and homes to enable evacuees to return as swiftly as possible. Workers aimed to clear traffic lanes and remove toppled power poles by Sunday night. In addition, coordination with local embassies and consulates has been instructed by the governor to provide support for the foreign nationals involved. For the Myanmar workers, the provincial labour office is verifying employment details and liaising with employers to ensure comprehensive assistance.
The Office of Insurance Commission is reviewing insurance claims from those affected, seeking to expedite compensation to ease their hardships. Meanwhile, donations of food, drinking water, clothing, and other essentials are being collected to support the victims. Authorities have not prioritized cash donations but emphasized the need for immediately usable items. Wat Kata remains a shelter for 20 individuals left homeless by the landslide.
Despite ongoing recovery efforts, officials remain vigilant for the possibility of further landslides, as heavy rains continue to batter Phuket. Rear Admiral Suchart Thampitakwet, commander of the Third Fleet, stated that His Majesty the King has ordered the fleet to provide meals for victims and officials working at the disaster sites since Saturday.
Local authorities, including Pol Col Khundet na Nongkhai, chief of Karon police station, reported that 12 bodies have been identified, with the remaining body believed to be that of a Myanmar national. Police are conducting investigations to determine the cause of the landslide, which followed heavy rainfall beginning late Thursday night. The landslide began early Friday morning near Wat Kata, affecting a resort, residential houses, and workers’ living quarters.
As recovery and rehabilitation continue, the threat of further landslides looms, necessitating continued vigilance and preparation from all involved.
