Phuket, August 26, 2024, The Europe Today: The bodies of all 13 victims have been recovered following a devastating landslide that struck the island of Phuket, officials confirmed on Saturday. The search operation, which was conducted in challenging conditions, was called off after the last three missing individuals were found, bringing the death toll to 13.
The landslide, triggered by heavy downpours that began late Thursday night, affected three sub-districts in Phuket: Chalong, Karon, and Rawai. A total of 209 families across nine villages were impacted by the disaster, which also left 19 people injured. As of Sunday, three of the injured remained hospitalized.
Among the deceased were nine Myanmar workers, a Russian couple, and two Thai women. All the victims were either workers or visitors from outside Phuket, highlighting the widespread impact of the disaster on the local and migrant communities.
The landslide began at around 5 a.m. on Friday at the end of Soi Patak 2 Road, behind Wat Kata, and caused significant damage as it swept through a hotel, residential houses, and workers’ living quarters.
In response to the tragedy, local officials have launched a donation drive to support those affected. Donations of food, drinking water, clothes, and money are being collected to aid the victims and their families as they begin the process of recovery.
This disaster underscores the vulnerability of the region to natural calamities, particularly during the monsoon season, and the urgent need for continued support and relief efforts for those who have been affected.
