Storms Batter The Northeast

[george]

Storms batter the Northeast

One person was killed and hundreds of homes were damaged as storms hit the Northeast on Saturday night, with the Meteorological Department warning yesterday of more thunderstorms across upper Thailand.

About 250 houses in Amnat Charoen's Taphan district had their roofs blown off and about a hundred others suffered some sort of damage after being hit by hail and thunderstorms on Saturday night, Amnat Charoen Governor Kitiphum Suwan said yesterday.

The damage is believed to be more widespread than reported and the province is gearing for rescue operations in the affected areas, he said.

The storms also damaged at least a thousand houses in four districts of Si Sa Ket, where a woman in her fifties was reportedly killed when a large tree collapsed on her.

Meanwhile, widely scattered thundershowers, hail and wind gusts are expected in 15 provinces in the Northeast, the East, North and Central regions, including Bangkok, the Meteorological Department warned yesterday.

--The Nation 2007-03-19

[ding]

Don't we have some menbers up there? I'd be interested in hearing what's up... if the internets are still working.

[Jai Dee]

Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation warns of tropical storm in Upper North

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reports that 52 provinces have been affected by drought, while warning the Upper North of a tropical depression.

Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Anucha Mokkawesa (อนุชา โมกขะเวส) reveals that more than seven million people have been suffering from the drought situation since from November 1st last year. About 700,000 rai of agricultural areas have been damaged.

The department has assisted the affected people by providing them with water pumps, restoring their residences, and constructing large-size water containers for them. More than 200 millions litres of water for consumption has been distributed.

As for the ongoing tropical storm, the Director-General says the storm has caused thundershowers, gusty winds, and hails in some areas. He calls upon the center for disaster prevention and mitigation region 6,7,8,9,10 and officials in the drought-affected provinces to warn people against risks from the storm. He also suggests them to dispatch officials to closely monitor the situation in the affected areas in order to provide aid to the residents efficiently.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 March 2007

[Farma]

The internets still working in Sisaket. It rained and the power dropped off in the city for a while. There was a storm near Phayu the day before that was windy. They seem to be more localised.

Edited March 19, 2007 by Farma

[raslin]

Yes, we got battered a bit outside Surin. Big thunderstorm followed by lashings of rain.

Brought down the TV aerial and half a fruit tree by the house.

Long power cut so had to open the windows instead of aircon so got a bit of sleep as the rain brought the temp down to bearable.

Internet via Ipstar dead slow this morning.

Nice cooler weather now.

[Jai Dee]

Tropical storm causes damage estimated over 10 million baht to Si Sa Ket Province

Si Sa Ket (ศรีสะเกษ) Governor Santhad Jatuchai (สันทัด จัตุชัย) indicates that tropical storm has caused damage estimated over 10 million baht; in addtion, over 200 local households have been affected.

Referring to the tropical storm at Si Sa Ket yesterday, Mr. Sanhad says the tropical storm has caused damage to 4 districts, including Srisuwan (ศรีสุวรรณ), Huay Tup Tan (ห้วยทับทัน), Mueng Chan (เมืองจันทร์), and Rasisarai (ราษีไศล). The provincial Red Cross and relevant agencies primarily assist the local residents.

Mr. Sanhad warns people to stay vigilant on the possible tropical storm that may take place again within these two months.

At the same time, Deputy District Chief of Srisuwan Sompob Wongwattanakit (สมภพ ว่องวัฒนกิจ) says his district face the greatest damage, adding that he is mobilizing forces from all agencies to provide assistance to local residents.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 March 2007