The current death toll for the Kata landslides in Phuket has reached eight, officially, but it is feared that it will rise as the recovery and rescue efforts continue into the afternoon. It is reported the dead include 3 Burmese, 3 Thais and 2 Russians.
According to Phuket HotNews, and repeated in the latest news from Khaosod English, the toll has reached eight.
The mudslide hurtled down the hills above Padak Soi 2, Moo 2 in the Karon district, above the Wat Kitti Sangkharam. The avalanche of mud, started at the top of the hill overlooking the Kata township, flattening jungle as it gathered speed, heading for the houses below.
Locals say they heard the thundering sound of the landslide around 5am this morning.
Apart from the dead, there are also several people injured and others, still, reported missing.
Following persistent, but not heavy, rain last night and around dawn, a mudslide started at the top of the hill, gathering speed, and then hitting houses built along make-shift roads overlooking Kata Beach, one of Phuket’s most popular beach resorts.
Officials report that some 200 millimetres of rainfall was measured in the area overnight.
Many of the dead are Burmese migrant workers, seeking cheap accommodation in the hills above the town.
250 residences have been affected by the devastating floods so far.
Rescue and recovery efforts are continuing with the Department of Disaster and Mitigation along with local volunteer rescue groups, under the direction of the Phuket Governor.
The yellow circle shows the main soi where the houses were deluged by mud sliding down the hill at great speed very early this morning.
On a related story, the road and part of the foreshore reserve have collapsed due to heavy rain, in front of the Kata district hall and Super Surf Kata. A food and beverage outlet for the Beyond Kata resort, that overlooked Kata Beach, has also suffered damage. The corner was a popular access and car parking location for people heading to Kata Beach.
