Phuket Officials Concerned About the Chance of More Landslides in the Future at the Phuket Big Buddha Area

Phuket –

The Thai Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) found that the Phuket Big Buddha has a chance for more landslides at the same point as a recently devastating one that killed multiple people.

Our previous stories:

Phuket has been announced as a disaster zone in which 209 families are currently suffering from the effects of landslides and flash floods, announced relevant officials.

Thirteen people have been found dead including two Russian nationals after a landslide in Karon on Friday early in the morning (August 23^rd).

A local in Phuket has filed a letter to the Phuket Governor asking for a formal investigation to find the causes of a landslide on the Nark Kerd Hill in Karon, Mueang Phuket.

The Karon Mayor has confirmed that no legal license was requested for some construction on the Phuket Big Buddha.

The Department of Mineral Resources has confirmed soil indicators used to detect possible landslides are not working due to a lack of budget and maintenance.

The Royal Forest Department has confirmed that some areas at the Big Buddha have encroached illegally into a reserve forest.

Now for the update:

The Deputy Director of the DMR Mr. Suwapark Imsanut and his team inspected the top of the Nark Kerd Mountain at the Phuket Big Buddha in Karon earlier this weekend. A drone was used to survey the area with a Total Station device used for level measurement. They also inspected the Patak 8 Road where the landslide killed 13 people.

Data was collected to plan for future landslide prevention which could happen in the same area if there is significant rainfall up to 200mm. They are trying to find another way for flash floods flowing down from the mountain. If a flash flood comes down from the same route, it could bring more damage because the route has less trees and pulls up large rocks., said Mr. Suwapark.