Phuket, Thailand – Heavy storms turned the holiday island into a disaster zone, triggering flash floods, a major landslide and the diversion of 37 flights that temporarily paralysed travel and road links.
Landslide buries Patong Hill road
A large landslide struck Patong Hill, burying the Pisitkoranee Road between the Yaek Kha Luang intersection and the Patong Bay Hill Hotel and forcing authorities to close the vital artery. Officials said the road would remain shut for at least three days while crews cleared debris and stabilised the slope.
Authorities advised motorists to use the Phetchakut Road as an alternative. Rescue teams worked continuously at the site after officials warned that the ground had become unstable and that a nearby house was at risk of collapse.
Airport chaos as 37 flights diverted
Phuket International Airport director Monchai Tanod confirmed that extreme weather conditions had forced the diversion of 37 domestic and international flights between 08:15 and 13:00 local time. Aircraft were rerouted to airports including Bangkok, Krabi and Rayong, as well as Penang and Langkawi in Malaysia.
Passengers were able to continue their journeys later in the day once conditions improved, the airport said. Monchai urged travellers to monitor flight updates, saying, “Tourists should continue to check the latest flight information.”
Flooding, fallen trees and local damage
Heavy rain inundated neighbourhoods across Cherng Talay, Kathu and Mueang districts, leaving entire streets under water. In Kathu, a large tree toppled and blocked the Kathu-Koh Kaew Road, bringing traffic to a standstill. Nearby, a power pole fell onto a parked car; authorities reported no injuries.
Cleanup crews were deployed to remove debris and assess further risks. Electricity and road crews worked to restore services and reopen affected routes as quickly as possible.
Warnings and ongoing risks
Officials said they were monitoring rising water levels in the Khlong Bang Yai and urged residents and tourists to stay alert and follow official updates. While access roads to Phuket Airport were not affected by the flooding and were reopened, forecasters warned of additional rain in the coming days, raising concerns about renewed flooding and travel disruption.
Local authorities continued to evaluate damage and said emergency teams would remain on duty as they worked to secure unstable areas and support affected communities.