A wet and wild day along Phuket’s west coast today And following a spate of drownings in Phuket recently, lifeguards have posted red flags at Patong Beach to warn beachgoers of dangerous conditions.
You can check out our daily weather report for Phuket HERE.
Despite the dangers, a number of tourists have ignored red flags at the island’s beaches, resulting in tragedy. Between June 9 – 17, four people lost their lives after going swimming at Nai Harn, Mai Khao and Surin beaches. Another 8 tourists were rescued from Patong and Karon beaches (where there are often dangerous rips during the monsoon).
Lifeguards are urging tourists and residents to stay out of the water after yet another person had to be pulled from the waves on Wednesday. On the same day, Sattha Thongkham, vice-governor of Phuket, issued a severe weather notice for the period June 19 – 25.
According to the Thai Meteorological Department, the southwesterly monsoon over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand is intensifying, along with a low-pressure are forming over Upper Vietnam and the Gulf of Tonkin in the South China Sea.
Heavy rainfall is expected in some parts of the southwest, with waves potentially reaching 3 metres in height and exceeding that in thunderstorms. There is a risk of strong winds, flash floods, and flooding.
The relevant agencies are being asked to ensure the safety of residents and tourists on the island by following the official safety and response guidelines.
SOURCE: The Phuket News
