Ritual ceremonies to honour mudslide victims

Phuket will join hands with local agencies to organise ritual ceremonies next week to build morale and make merit for those who lost their lives in the recent mudslide tragedy.
Sophon Thongsai, director of the Provincial Office of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation office, said the event would honour the victims of the devastating mudslide that occurred on Aug 23 at 5am in Moo 2 village in tambon Karon of Muang district. It followed heavy rain in several parts of the district the previous day.
The disaster affected 283 households and 576 residents, damaging 15 houses completely and partially damaging 75 others. Thirteen people lost their lives — five men and eight women — and 19 others were injured. Authorities are working to ensure there is sufficient medical care for the injured and are arranging temporary and permanent housing for the displaced.
Volunteers, military personnel, police and local organisations are collaborating to expedite repairs and deliver financial aid to the victims.
In addition, several agencies in the province, including the Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO), Muang Phuket District Office and Karon Municipality, will organise two religious ceremonies near the site of the disaster.
A Brahmin “Land-Turning” ritual will be held to cleanse the area on Monday, and a merit-making ceremony will be conducted to remember the victims on Tuesday. There will also be environmental development activities in the area that day.
“As so many people died in the tragedy, no one has been wanting to rent houses in this area, and the land prices have dropped,” Mr Sophon said.
“We hope the religious ceremony and merit-making event will help eliminate all of these bad things, create a new beginning, and build morale.”