The Thalang District road was blocked from 06:00 until almost lunchtime by which time most of the water had drained off. Drivers of trucks were able to negotiate their way through the swamped road, albeit at a snail’s pace, but cars and motorcycles had a little more trouble.
Eyewitnesses say water seeped under the doors of cars while motorcycles were submerged as far as their engine blocks. They said a number of the motorcyclists decided to wait until the road had drained a little.
The Thai Meteorological Department says more rain is expected to hit Phuket over the coming week and there is a likelihood of more flash floods. Local authorities have warned road users to be careful when traversing flooded roads or any other location where rainwater does not drain off.
May typically sees the start of the monsoon season in southern Thailand and the Meteorological Department says the current storms herald the onset of it. The season runs through to October and coincides with the tourist low season.
Floodwaters swamp main Phuket Island thoroughfare
News in Asia
Flooding in central Phuket blocked the main road through the island on Saturday and caused major traffic holdups. A heavy rain storm saw floodwater wash down on to Thepkassattri Road with locals saying it was more than 50-centimetres deep in some parts.