So far the level of water is not threatening, reported Phuket City Municipality, but the runoff from today’s heavy rainfall is expected to affect the already fast-moving water in the canal.
Among the concerns is that while the Bang Yai Canal runs through the heart of Phuket Town, its catchment area is much greater, with the canal originating in the section of the Nakkerd Hills to the west in Kathu. The canal empties into Phuket Bay, on the east side of Phuket Town.
Officers earlier today were dispatched to ensure leaves and other debris did not block water from flowing into drains, and pumps were used to ensure water flowed quickly from the drain into the canal.
“There will still be very heavy rain until September 6, 2023. Therefore, people are asked to be careful of the dangers from heavy to very heavy rain. and accumulated rain that may cause flash floods,” Phuket City Municipality said in a warning issued earlier today.
Phuket Town suffered minor flooding across streets, with the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) as of this afternoon recording 39mm of rainfall directly on the town today.
The Southern Western Meteorological Center, based near Phuket airport, has already marked the heavy rain easing late this afternoon, but maintained its warning earlier today for heavy to heavy rain to continue.
Meanwhile, red flags were posted on nearly all of Phuket’s beaches today, marking the water unsafe to swim.
Police earlier today also urged motorists to exercise caution in the heavy weather following a pickup truck overturning on Thepkrasattri Rd in Muang Mai, Thalang, this morning.