Since the first storms hit on Tuesday afternoon, local authorities have been inundated with reports of damage to houses, roofs blown off and downed power lines. In Buriram, a female motorcyclist was taken to hospital. Bystanders say lightning hit her crash helmet.
Local officials have been inspecting damaged properties.Once the inspections are complete, householders will be able to claim for assistance from the Thai government’s emergency fund. Prime-minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has also responded and issued an urgent order telling relevant agencies to help people affected by the storms.
The prime-minister urged people to try and save as much of the rainwater as possible too. Thailand is currently in the middle of its worst drought for several decades and in areas where rain has fallen it was a welcome sight.
The national Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation says the storms are likely to continue for a few more days yet. In a statement, the department said the reason for the storms was high pressure. It noted that there may even be hailstorms to come.
Heavy rain and winds sweep across northern half of Thailand
News in Asia
Heavy rain and strong winds have damaged over 700 houses in the northern provinces of Thailand during the past few days. Isolated storms have struck regions of Chiang Rai, Loei, Chaiyaphum, Mukdahan and Nakhon Ratchasima.