Thousands of homes damaged as severe thunderstorms lash Thailand
Severe weather, including strong winds and thunderstorms, hit 21 provinces in north, north-east, east and central Thailand, including capital Bangkok, from April 12 to 15, 2020. As a result, two people have lost their lives and at least 3 269 houses were damaged by floods.
Thunderstorms and flash floods caused extensive damage to buildings in the northern region as they left a trail of destruction.
Among the affected provinces were Chiang Rai, Phitsanulok, Loei, Udon Thani, Nong Bua Lamphu, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chonburi, and Chanthaburi. The media reported two fatalities and one person injured.
On April 14, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said the storms were fueled by high-pressure from China, which brought strong southerly winds barrelling towards Thailand as it picked up humidity from the South China Sea.
The department added they are working with the army and local government organizations to support the residents affected by the storm. Damage assessment will also be conducted so the Finance Ministry will grant compensation.
Rain with thunderstorms and strong winds are still expected to pummel the eastern and southeastern parts of Thailand, while isolated rain showers and strong winds are forecast over the central region.
Thailand: Summer storms hit Bangkok this afternoon shortly after hail, wind & rain lashed the country overnight. Thunder & lightning as well as flash floods arrived in the capital following extensive damage to buildings in northern regions on Sunday evening of April 12.13-04-2020 pic.twitter.com/Svp7eRoodW
— Rowan Van Dijk (@Lastkombo) April 13, 2020
Scattered rain on the capital, Bangkok
#Bangkok pic.twitter.com/JTwaq2CYGJ— يوتيوب_تايلاند (@Thailand_YouTub) April 13, 2020
Just a little #SongkranStorm as we can’t go play out! #Songkran #Rain #Bangkok #Thailand Hope it’s raining in Chiang Mai too to help with the fires! pic.twitter.com/rpLxSBfLLi
— QueenyClairey (@ClaireyCookey) April 13, 2020
[ #Cambodia ]
This afternoon, there was a big short rain alongside speedy wind in #Pailin province that’s adjacent #Thailand’s border. A number of private and public treasures are impaired. pic.twitter.com/Vt73K7lXiG— Ravid (@ravid95476978) April 12, 2020
Featured image credit: JWINTHAI/YouTube
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