Khon Kaen: A fierce summer storm wreaked havoc in Khon Kaen and nearby regions, causing significant structural damage and power outages. Roofs were blown off homes and businesses, and over 30 high-voltage power poles were knocked down.
According to Thai News Agency, the storm hit the Kanchanaphisek Center at Khon Kaen University, the venue for the Isan Fair, around 2:00 PM yesterday. The storm caused extensive damage to tents, forcing vendors to flee to shelter within the building.
In Ban Non Muang, Tambon Sila, Mueang District, the storm blew the roof off a construction material shop, damaging an electrical transformer and resulting in a power outage. Numerous residential roofs were also lost to the storm.
On Maliwan Road, in the Ban Thum - Ban Daeng Noi section, over 30 high-voltage power poles were felled by the strong winds. Mr. Kraisorn Kongchalat, the Governor of Khon Kaen, stated that all districts are urgently surveying the damages caused by the storm.
The storm also impacted Khao Yai Thiang in Sikhio District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The market at the upper reservoir of Lam Takhong Chonlapawatana Power Plant, a popular tourist destination, suffered damage. Tents and goods were blown over, and vendors faced significant losses as they rushed to replace damaged stock.
In Tha Uthen District, Nakhon Phanom Province, a hailstorm destroyed over 100 houses, with 20 severely damaged, requiring repairs costing approximately 40,000-50,000 baht. The local government, along with the 210th Military Circle in Nakhon Phanom, is providing assistance for repairs and has allocated a budget for immediate relief efforts, ensuring that the needs of affected residents are met promptly.