STORMS DESCEND ON VAST SWATHES OF NORTHERN THAILAND

>> Residents in the North, Northeast, East and Central Plains including Bangkok have been warned to brace for more summer storms tomorrow.

Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation director-general Chatchai Promlert said summer storms have been forecast in the four regions, starting from tomorrow until Wednesday.

Some provinces could possibly experience thunderstorms, gusty winds and hailstones.

Mr Chatchai warned residents to stay away from large trees and billboards as well as flimsy structures and buildings.

Besides the four regions, villages in the South have been warned to expect possible heavy rainfall in some areas.

He said the department was working with local administrative agencies to prepare assistance for those affected by the storm. Local department officials in all regions were instructed to monitor weather forecasts to deal with weather fluctuations.

Department officials say three people were killed in storms over the past two weeks. Assistance and compensation has been given to their families.

Storms also affected 4,849 village houses in 75 districts of 25 provinces across the country.

The Northeast suffered the most damage with 16 storm-ravaged provinces: Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Loei, Sakon Nakhon, Maha Sarakham, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nong Khai, Roi Et, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Bung Kan, Amnat Charoen, Udon Thani, Buri Ram and Kalasin.

The other areas affected by storms are in the central provinces of Lop Buri, Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan, Sukhothai, Chai Nat and Kamphaeng Phet, the eastern provinces of Sa Kaeo and Trat as well as the northern province of Phayao.

Last Friday alone, summer storms damaged 123 houses in 11 districts of five northeastern provinces: Kalasin, Maha Sarakham, Udon Thani, Buri Ram and Surin.

The department said it had already contacted local military units and administrative agencies to provide assistance for storm-affected victims.

Relief bags have been distributed to villagers along with roof-tiles and other house maintenance tools.

Authorities were also deployed to inspect storm-devastated areas to access damage so compensations could be paid to victims in accordance with regulations of the Finance Ministry.

On Mar 17, three women were injured in an accident caused by summer thunderstorms in Bangkok.

The accident occurred when a shuttle van they were travelling in crashed into a ditch during a heavy storm on Vibhvadi Rangsit Road opposite Don Mueang airport.

The van driver told police he was heading to Rangsit with 15 passengers when strong winds buffeted his vehicle.