BANGKOK, Oct 26 — Heavy rain has triggered flash floods and landslides on the Thai island of Phuket, with the weather authority forecasting more bad weather ahead of the end of the rainy season in the South-east Asian country, reported German Press Agency (dpa).

The town of Patong, a popular tourist destination, was among the worst hit. Floodwaters carried rocks, mud and debris into residential areas and shopping streets, damaging houses, shops and vehicles, the Bangkok Post reported on Monday, citing authorities.

After persistent rain, water and debris flowed down the hillsides into lower-lying areas overnight. The Kathu district, which includes Patong, was badly affected. Mud and boulders blocked sections of road, shop windows shattered and cars were flooded. In some areas, a driving ban was imposed.

Emergency crews moved in with bulldozers and other heavy equipment to clear debris and open drainage channels, while the city administration of Patong set up emergency shelters. 

Disaster prevention authorities reported flooding in other southern provinces as well. 

The weather service has warned that heavy rain is likely to persist until Wednesday at least, before the rainy season across much of Thailand draws to an end.

At the end of September, days of rain brought severe flooding to Thailand’s capital Bangkok, prompting the city’s administration to declare a disaster emergency in all 50 districts. Across the country, about 2.6 million people were affected, according to the authorities. — AFP