Storms continue to cause havoc
More thunderstorms, rain and strong winds are expected across the country today with the extreme weather already beginning to cause havoc, according to the Thai Meteorological Department.
Thunderstorms and gusty winds are forecast to continue in the upper part of Thailand after heavy rain, with hail, hit areas of the North, the Northeast and the Central Plains yesterday.
The department said the inclement weather is being caused by a moderate high pressure system moving from China across the upper areas of the country and the South China Sea.
People are advised to remain inside during the storms and stay away from trees, billboards and flimsy buildings. Farmers are also being advised there could be crop damage.
In Nakhon Ratchasima, people in four districts have been warned to prepare for more wind and rain after many houses were damaged by the storms which have lashed six villages in three tambons — Bot, Krabueang Yai and Rang Ka Yai — of Phimai district since Tuesday.
The other three districts at risk of more storm damage are Sikhiu, Kham Thale So and Chum Phuang.
Local government officials have been sent to provide assistance to residents affected by the storms. Advice was also being given on repairs and storm-proofing.
In the northern province of Nan, hail was reported falling during a storm in tambon Bo of Muang district yesterday. Most of the province has been hit by thunderstorms and strong winds brought by the high-pressure system. Hail also fell in neighbouring Chiang Rai yesterday.
The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department has told its officials to be fully prepared for immediate deployment to affected areas in case of emergency.
The extreme weather will continue to hit the upper region of the country, according to the department chief Chayaphon Thitisak.
In Bangkok, rainfall in parts of the city slowed traffic on many major roads, including Lat Phrao, Ratchadaphisek, Ramkhamhaeng and Charan Sanitwong.
Heavy rain has also been experienced in Uthai Thani’s Lan Sak district where a road was made impassable by mountain runoff.
Farmers in tambon Pa-o in the same district also suffered as downpours triggered severe inundations in paddy fields and sugar cane farms.
A similar weather pattern was reported in Phitsanulok’s Bang Rakam and Phrom Phiram districts where about 200 buildings, including the pavilion of a temple, were slammed by the storm. Strong winds also blew the roofs off of some buildings and which came crashing down on a nursery centre in Bang Rakham district, officials said.
They were among 1,258 buildings which suffered damage in the district, the department said.