Canal embankment collapses as heavy rain batters Thailand

A canal embankment collapsed amid heavy rain in Thailand.

Parts of the soil embankment slid into the channel during flash floods in Phang Nga province on September 20. The collapse left several homes perched precariously over crumbling foundations.

Songyot Nakrit, mayor of the Tham Nam Phut Subdistrict Municipality, said: 'There has been continuous heavy rain for several days that caused the soil along the Thanon Mai canal to collapse. There are around six houses at risk.deep into the houses of the people, putting 5-6 houses at risk.

'The Tham Nam Phut Subdistrict Administrative Organisation has prepared a prevention infrastructure project for this area, but we are waiting for permission from the relevant agencies before we can start construction.'

Deputy Phangnga Governor Konlawat Supsongsuk inspected the 328ft canal and found an additional six homes at risk of collapsing.

He said: 'I have ordered relevant organisations to prioritise the safety of residents living in the affected area. The municipality has already filled the canal with rocks as a temporary solution.'

Sangob Satone, chief of the Phang Nga Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, said the area was declared a disaster zone, allowing the local government to disburse funds to prevent further collapses.

Residents were advised to be ready for evacuation.

Mueang Phang Nga district chief Peerapat Ngerncharoen said: 'At present, the water level in the canal is still high and the current is fast-flowing. The local government will propose a plan to build a dam to prevent future landslides because the area where the incident occurred was sandy soil that had already slid down for a distance of about 13 feet. It is still dangerous so the public must be warned to be vigilant and prepare to move out of their houses if necessary.'

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.