Landslide kills at least five people stuck in building in Phuket, Thailand

A landslide caused by heavy rains killed at least five people on a tourist island in Thailand.

The landslide crashed into a residential area housing hotels and apartments in the town of Karon in Phuket in the early hours of August 23.

Police chief Khundech Na Nongkhai said: 'Heavy rain which began at 2am last night caused a landslide that damaged homes. Those living in the area were caught off guard.'

The officer added that least five individuals, including a Russian couple on vacation, were killed.

Initial reports indicated that most of the buried houses were rental properties occupied by foreign workers.

Phuket Vice Governor Sattha Thongkham was at an incident command centre to oversee rescue operations.

He said: 'It is hoped that the area can be fully cleared by this evening if there is no additional rainfall.'

At least 25 residents were taken to an evacuation centre.

Officials have not yet given an official death toll as the search and rescue was ongoing.

The rain had also triggered flash flooding in various parts of Phuket.

Thailand and neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia are in their annual monsoon rainy season which sees soaring temperatures followed by powerful rain storms in the afternoon leading to widespread flash floods.