SURAT THANI: A tornado damaged about 120 houses and injured five people in Muang district of this southern province on Saturday afternoon.
The swirling vortex emerged over Ban Don bay at about 2.30pm and moved into communities in Surat Thani municipality. It ripped off roofs and uprooted trees and power poles over a period of 20 minutes. Trees collapsed on many vehicles.
Surat Thani governor Wichawut Jinto said the damage extended from an area near the Surat Thani Hospital to Moo 3 and Moo 4 villages in tambon Makham Tia of Muang district. He declared the areas disaster zones so that they would qualify for financial aid to victims.
Jamnong Sawatwong, chief of the provincial disaster mitigation office, said an initial survey found that at least 120 houses and three school buildings were damaged and four power poles were uprooted.
Nao Fueangfoo, 72, of tambon Makham Tia, said the powerful wind lifted off the entire garage roof at his relative's house. The roof landed about 10 metres away and fragments caused cuts to his head.
Video supplied by Supapong Chaolan