Bangkok: MP Kulawalee and the Land Committee visited Khao Nak Kerd to inspect the landslide site in Phuket, urging the speedy installation of sensors and SMS warning systems. Ms. Kulwalee Nopamornbodee, Member of Parliament for Ratchaburi Province from the Bhumjaithai Party, in her capacity as Chair of the Committee on Land, Natural Resources, and Environment, along with her committee members, inspected the Khao Nak Kerd area to assess the landslide problem and discuss measures and solutions. They were joined by representatives from relevant agencies, including the Department of Mineral Resources Region 4, the Phuket Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, and local administrative organizations.
According to Thai News Agency, representatives from the Department of Mineral Resources clarified issues regarding the landslide in the Khao Nak Kerd area of Phuket Province. The terrain in the Nak mountain range consists of granite rock layers with numerous cracks. When weathered rock fragments mix with sand and are exposed to large amounts of water, landslides occur. Furthermore, the summit, where the Big Buddha Temple is located, has undergone site improvements and cement paving, causing rainwater to flow down rapidly. Combined with current weather changes resulting in widespread cloud cover, this led to significantly higher rainfall. The landslide that occurred on August 23, 2024, was recorded at a high rainfall amount of 177 millimeters.
Regarding initial measures and management guidelines, the Department of Mineral Resources reports that monitoring and evacuation are based on the criterion that if rainfall exceeds 100 millimeters within 24 hours, warnings will be issued and preparations for public evacuation will be made. Currently, the Department of Mineral Resources plans to install sensors throughout the province, with nine sensors currently in place (one installed near the incident site at Wat Phra Yai). Additional rain gauges and a loudspeaker warning system will be installed.
Recommendations from the committee emphasize the need for relevant agencies to erect notice boards in high-risk areas and coordinate information regarding rainfall measurements and the installation of equipment to measure rock movement, in order to prepare for the evacuation of people in high-risk areas. The Office of Natural Resources and Environment should integrate with local administrative organizations to compile a list of hazardous areas. Notifying the public via SMS, as well as through local public address systems, is also advised.
Furthermore, the committee will continuously monitor the progress of the relevant agencies in resolving the issue. The Department of Mineral Resources is requested to submit a plan for managing geological hazards such as landslides in Phuket Province, including suggestions and obstacles in its implementation, to the committee for fact-finding and the search for sustainable solutions. The committee will then prepare a report with recommendations for the relevant competent commission.