PHUKET – Persistent heavy rainfall battered Phuket on Wednesday, causing widespread flash floods, downing trees and power poles, and triggering a significant landslide on Patong Hill that is expected to keep a key road closed for three days. The severe weather also led to major disruptions in air travel, forcing numerous flights to be diverted from the island’s airport.

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The non-stop downpour, which began in the early hours of the morning and continued until approximately 7 a.m., led to flooding in multiple areas including Choeng Thale, Kathu, and Muang districts. The storm’s impact was felt across the island, with a fallen tree blocking a section of Kathu-Koh Kaew Road for a period and a collapsed power pole damaging a parked vehicle. Officials confirmed no injuries were reported from these incidents.

PHUKET – Persistent heavy rain caused flash floods and toppled trees and power poles on Wednesday, and caused a landslide on Patong hill that will close the road for three days.

Thirty-seven incoming flights diverted, intending air travellers advised to keep checking for flight… pic.twitter.com/q8nMxVaXXT

— Bangkok Post (@BangkokPostNews) October 22, 2025

A more serious situation developed on Pisitkoranee Road on Patong Hill, where a landslide has completely blocked the route between the area known locally as Yaek Kha Luang and the Patong Bay Hill hotel. Authorities have announced the road will remain closed for an estimated three days to allow for clearance work. Officials also noted that a house in the area was at risk of collapsing due to the conditions. Work crews have been deployed to the site, and motorists are being advised to use Pethgood Road as an alternative.

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The adverse weather significantly impacted air travel, with Phuket airport director Monchai Tanod confirming that thirty-seven domestic and international flights scheduled to land between 8:15 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. were diverted to alternative airports. These included airports in Bangkok, Krabi, Rayong, as well as Penang and Langkawi in Malaysia. Mr. Monchai assured that all affected passengers had subsequently resumed their journeys to Phuket. While roads to the airport remained accessible, intending travelers were advised to continually check for flight updates. Meanwhile, scattered rain continued throughout the province, with officials warning residents near the rising Khlong Bang Yai canal to closely monitor the situation.

-Thailand News (TN)