Holidaymakers stranded on the island of Samui have flocked to the airport in the hope of getting onto a flight to escape the recent flooding. Hundreds of travellers made their way to Samui International after hearing reports that two Bangkok Airways planes had managed to take off from the flooded runway yesterday.

The airline said PG100 and PG104 had landed in the Thai capital after leaving Samui with 376 passengers on board. Two more planes were said to be waiting on the tarmac for a respite in the weather. An area of low pressure in the region has meant disruption of all modes of transport linking the island with the mainland. Ferry services are currently suspended and national and international flights to Koh Samui have been cancelled.

According to Bangkok Airways, around 2,100 passengers have not been able to get on a flight since the beginning of the week. Some passengers have been braving the floods to visit the airport daily in the hope of being able to find a seat off the island. Others have been spending their nights at the airport.

Rain has continued to fall submerging many of the island’s roads. Samui Airport said yesterday that the runway remained flooded. Damage to power lines has also caused electricity to some areas to be lost. The airport is currently relying on a back-up generator and the check-in desks are being operated manually.

The island’s authorities are continuing to evacuate people from the worst of the flooding as well as get fresh water and food to those who need it.