A deadly landslide in Phuket has claimed the lives of 10 people, including two Russians. Authorities evacuate residents and tourists from danger zones after heavy rains.

Tragedy struck Thailand’s Phuket island on Friday, killing at least ten people, including eight foreigners, officials said. The cause was landslides caused by heavy rains. More than 50 houses were damaged in the disaster.

An official from the provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department said intense rainfall that began at 1 a.m. on Friday in various parts of the island province caused flash floods and landslides.
The worst-affected areas were Chalong and Karon tampons in central Phuket province, where about 250 households were affected. A major landslide occurred on Soi Pathak 2 in Karon Tambon, causing several buildings, including a villa and a camp for migrant workers, to be under rubble.

Rescuers have so far recovered the bodies of 10 dead, including a couple of Russian nationals, six Myanmar labourers and two Thai nationals. About 50 houses were damaged, some crushed by heavy boulders and fallen trees. About a dozen people were injured in the incident.

Phuket Deputy Governor Sratta Thongkam said a command centre and evacuation point had been set up behind Wat Kata temple. So far, 25 people from five households have been evacuated.

Rescue operations are continuing at four other sites where people are suspected to be under the rubble.
Although the rain had eased by Friday evening, officials said flooding in most residential areas and on roads had subsided mainly. However, villages in Karon, Rawai, and Chalong districts have been declared disaster zones.

Government spokeswoman Traisuri Taisaranakul emphasised the need for accurate information on weather conditions, tourist spots, and areas prone to heavy rain, flooding, and landslides.

Tourists are advised to avoid visiting high-risk areas. Safety protocols have been issued to protect the population and visitors to the island.

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