By PHUKET, Thailand — A mudslide on the popular Thai resort island of Phuket has claimed the lives of 13 people, including two Russian tourists, local authorities announced Sunday. The search for missing persons has been called off, marking a grim end to rescue efforts following heavy rains last week.
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat confirmed that the mudslide occurred near the Big Buddha statue, a well-known tourist attraction in the southern part of the island. “The victims include a Russian couple, nine migrant workers from Myanmar, and two Thai nationals,” Sophon told reporters.
The governor added that approximately 20 people were injured in the incident, which affected 209 households in the area. A major cleanup operation is now underway as the island, a key destination in Thailand’s crucial tourism industry, grapples with the aftermath of the disaster.
“We are in the process of contacting the relatives and embassies of the victims,” Sophon said, highlighting the international impact of the tragedy.
The mudslide was triggered by unusually heavy rains that battered the island last week, saturating hillsides and creating hazardous conditions in areas popular with both tourists and local residents.
Thailand’s meteorological department had issued warnings about potential flash floods and landslides in several southern provinces, including Phuket, due to the intense monsoon conditions. However, the scale of this disaster has shocked local officials and residents alike.
