Flash floods from the Phanom Bencha mountain range surged into a community in Krabi municipality late at night, causing residents to evacuate in confusion. Some said it was the worst flooding in 60 years before water levels gradually receded to normal by late morning.
On 11 June, a reporter reported that in Krabi Province, around 03:00, Mr. Ittichai Tanbut, Mayor of Krabi Municipality, received reports from residents that floodwaters were rushing into homes in the Ruamjai Chon community on Sritrang Road within Krabi municipality. More than 200 households were affected. Upon notification, officials from the municipal volunteer rescue, Krabi Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, Border Patrol Police 426, and soldiers from the 15th Infantry Regiment, 1st Battalion, were mobilized with equipment to assist.
The flooding occurred along the Krabi Yai canal, a low-lying area, where water rushed into many homes. Officials rushed to evacuate the elderly, children, and patients to safe areas. Water levels averaged between 50-100 cm, flooding numerous houses. In some spots, water nearly submerged residents' vehicles. The floodwaters originated as flash floods from the Phanom Bencha mountain range at Huai To waterfall, flowing into the Krabi Yai canal, which drains into the sea. Floodwaters remained for about 10 hours before draining out to sea and receding to normal levels.
The municipality opened emergency evacuation centers using Municipal School 1 and the Old Market Mosque as temporary shelters. Food and drinking water were provided to assist residents initially. Over 120 people sought refuge at these temporary centers.
Mrs. Sunee Nookladnui, 70, a local resident affected by the flood, said the water began entering around 3 a.m. While she and her family were sleeping, she got up to use the restroom and noticed water rapidly flooding the back of the house. They quickly woke family members and evacuated. Some belongings were moved in time, but some were damaged. She described this flood as the worst in nearly 10 years, with the last severe event in 2017. She admitted they were unprepared as the flood was more severe than expected.
Mr. Ittichai, Mayor of Krabi Municipality, said he received the distress call around 3 a.m. and promptly went to the site. He coordinated with all relevant agencies for assistance. Initially, more than 100 residents from heavily flooded areas were evacuated to temporary shelters. This event was the worst since 2017. He estimated about 200 households were damaged. The municipality plans to survey the damage to provide further aid.
In Krabi Province, flooding affected several districts. The previous night, floodwaters inundated communities in Ao Luk Tai municipality, Ao Luk District, affecting over 200 households, as well as multiple locations in Plai Phraya District. The problem stemmed from heavy continuous rainfall that overwhelmed drainage capacity. Recently, the rain stopped, allowing water levels to recede toward normal in many areas. The Krabi Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office is coordinating with community leaders to survey damage and assist affected residents.
As of 10:30 a.m., the floodwaters overflowing riverbanks in several Krabi areas began to subside, as water drained quickly into the sea and no further rain fell. Affected residents who had evacuated to temporary shelters have started returning home to inspect their properties.
The Krabi Provincial Public Relations Office reported that the flooding impacted 3 districts—Krabi City, Ao Luk, and Plai Phraya—covering 9 subdistricts, 20 villages, and 3 communities. A total of 345 households were affected. One school and two roads sustained damage, along with one vehicle. No injuries or fatalities were reported.