Seven Myanmar migrant labourers were killed and 10 others are missing when the houses they were living was levelled by a landslide due to heavy rain in Phuket early Friday morning.
Officials from the Kusoltham Phuket Foundation told Thai PBS that six Myanmar workers, four men and two women, have been discovered, and five more were believed to be buried under tonnes of mud and rocks.
Dozens of Myanmar nationals were residing in a row of houses on Patak Soi 2, in Phuket’s Karon sub-district of Mueang district, when a big bank of mud and rock from a neighbouring mountain crashed into the dwellings, partially burying them.
Mr. Sattha Thongkham, Deputy Governor of Phuket Province, said that relevant agencies went to the area to inspect the damage and provide assistance to those affected by the landslide. A command center was set up to receive reports of damage and complaints from those affected, including setting up a shelter at Wat Kata.
According to a Kusoltham Phuket Foundation official, the road access to the homes was obstructed by mud, large rocks, and fallen trees, making it difficult for heavy gear to reach the site.
He said it was the worst landslip he had ever witnessed.
As for the search for those missing and trapped in the affected houses, 4 locations have been identified. At the first location, 3 people have been found, at the second location 2 people, at the third location 1 person, and at the fourth location 2 people, a total of 12 people whose names are still unknown. Rescuers said the dead and injured were Myanmar workers and Russian expats.
The Disaster and Mitigation Department reported flooding has been recorded in various places of Phuket, including the Mae Somchit market, the road leading to the Phra Yai Buddha image in Chalongsook village, the West Chao Fah Road, the East Chao Fah Road, and a Land and House housing complex.
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