A hailstorm pounded six districts of Sukhothai province on Tuesday night, destroying more than 1,200 houses and knocking down at least 40 power poles.
Heavy rain and hail struck Muang, Khiri Mat, Si Samrong, Kong Krailat, Sawankhlalok and Si Satchanalai districts of the northern province. Big trees fell onto houses and roadside pavilions were badly damaged, but no deaths or injuries were reported.
Authorities said on Wednesday the storm struck 82 villages in 23 tambons, damaging 1,263 houses, bringing down more than 40 power poles and causing blackouts in six of the nine districts. Kong Krailat was the worst hit district, with 37 power poles knocked down.
Lt Col Boonchuay Chaimaewmae, head of the 3rd Army’s civil affairs unit, on Wednesday led a team of rangers to help repair a school in Kong Krailat where the roofs of the buildings were ripped off.
The soldiers hoped to finish repairs before the school reopens next week for the new term, but faced a shortage of materials, particularly processed wood and galvanized iron.
People were being asked to help with donations of the needed materials.
In Chiang Mai, a storm and strong winds hit two tambons in Doi Saket district on Tuesday night, damaging more than 100 houses and farmland.
Kasem Parameesilakhachorn, mayor of Samranrat tambon municipality, other officials and soldiers inspected the storm-hit communities on Wednesday and provided assistance to the residents.