Koh Samui Tourism Stalls as Unprecedented Storm Unleashes Havoc

[snoop1130]

 

The well-loved holiday destination of Koh Samui is today grappling with the harsh realities of an unruly climate change. Turbulent seas and relentless rains have led to a pause in many tourist activities as the safety of locals and visitors alike becomes the focus amid worsening weather conditions.

 

Several popular landmarks, including top-tier waterfalls such as Hin Lad, Na Muang, and Wang Sao Thong, are now off-limits due to risky high water levels. The decision issued by the Koh Samui district office is in keeping with the over-arching safety-first strategy being employed across the island.

 

In response to the raging waters, the Lomprayah High Speed Catamaran Co., which provides comprehensive travel services, had no other go than to alter its course. The firm diverted its sea-bound services from the routinely used Wat Na Phra Lan Pier to the presumably safer Saphan Klang Pier in Ang Thong and Bangrak Pier in Bo Phut.

 

The Muko Ang Thong Marine National Park is taking no chances and has put a temporary halt to visitor admittance until conditions become less perilous. However, ferry services running between Don Sak, Koh Samui, and Koh Pha Ngan have so far remained resilient, with no changes reported to their schedules.

 

 

While the local authorities strive to manage the situation, a rescue operation is ongoing for a missing French tourist. The 77-year-old, identified as Rene Mary Core, was last seen onboard a doomed boat trip that culminated in a capsizing incident amidst violent winds on the Rajjaprabha Dam’s reservoir. According to witnesses, Core’s leg became entangled under a bench as the boat overturned, inciting an immediate rescue effort.

 

The same unpredictable weather is proving a nightmare for the search team. Yet, they remain committed to finding the missing man, as hospitalised injured companions and others who managed to reach safer grounds in Phuket anxiously wait for hopeful news.

 

As the weather remains frantic, tourists and residents are advised to stay vigilant and safe. With emergency services on high alert, the quaint, sun-soaked beaches of Koh Samui now stand eerily quiet, awaiting calmer skies and normalcy.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-11-25

 

 

[tomacht8]

For decades there have been heavy rains, storms and high waves in the area around Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao in November and December. Now that's not that unusual.