Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A sudden tornado struck the Phatthalung province on September 16, destroying some homes as officials scrambled to provide urgent aid. The extreme weather, which included both heavy winds and rain, devastated the area, particularly affecting the village of Ban Khuan Saeng in Tambon Khok Sai, Pa Bon District.

 

According to reports, the severe storm, known locally as a "Lam Hua Duan" or sudden tornado, hit late in the afternoon. After the winds subsided, it was revealed that the roofs of more than 14 houses had been ripped off, with five homes completely destroyed. In the aftermath, local officials from the Khok Sai Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO), as well as village leaders, immediately began surveying the damage and providing assistance to the affected residents.

 

 

Khomjak Saengsiew, the village headman of Khok Sai, confirmed that 14 households had their roofs blown away, while five homes were left in ruins. In addition to the damage to homes, rubber plantations, fruit orchards, and salak gardens in the area were also badly affected. Authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage and will submit their findings to district and provincial officials.

 

Dechtep Khaothong, the mayor of Khok Sai SAO, stated that after receiving reports of the tornado, a team of municipal workers were quickly mobilised to help repair the partially damaged roofs. The goal is to ensure that affected families can at least have temporary shelter over night. As for the homes that were completely destroyed, repairs will begin on September 17, as some structures need to be rebuilt from scratch after the wood was blown away by the winds.

 

Residents reported that the storm lasted only 20 minutes, but the intense wind and heavy rain caused significant destruction in that short time.

 

-- 2024-09-17

 

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

some structures need to be rebuilt from scratch after the wood was blown away by the winds.

Residents reported that the storm lasted only 20 minutes, but the intense wind and heavy rain caused significant destruction in that short time.

 

That was certainly a pretty powerful storm.

Glad that everyone was OK (no reported deaths or injuries).

Unlikely it was a tornado tho...

These large open sided structures with a tin roof are prime targets for damage, they become huge para sails in high winds.