THE NORTH

Freak storm lashes Nan, Chiang Rai

A freak storm lashed the northern provinces of Chiang Rai and Nan yesterday, damaging nearly 1,000 homes. The Meteorological Department yesterday warned that more storms are on the way next week.

In Nan, heavy rainfall and hail wreaked havoc on more than 500 houses in four tambons in Muang district.

More than 100 chickens in a backyard farm belonging to Chuay Kamprom in tambon Chai-satan in Muang district died in the storm.

Six villages in tambon Napang of Phu Phiang sub-district were hit by a hailstorm and gusting winds. More than 200 houses were damaged and several trees were knocked down.

In Chiang Rai, more than 1,000 houses in 130 villages of Muang, Mae Lao, Phan, Mae Suai and Wiang Pa Pao districts were hit by the storm.

Several longan and lychee plantations suffered massive damage.

The Meteorological Department yesterday urged villagers in the North to be on full alert for storms between April 20 to 26. High temperatures, with occasional storms, are forecast for other regions during April 24 to 26.

Meanwhile, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department has dispatched its staff to help villagers in drought-hit areas in 53 provinces.

Anucha Mokawet, director-general of the department, said altogether 19,887 villages in 53 provinces had been affected by the dry spell from Nov 1, 2006 to April 17 this year.

More than 1.6 million households and 123,201 rai of farmland have felt the impact. Problems had eased in only six provinces thanks to recent tropical storms.

They were Prachuap Khiri Khan, Trat, Chon Buri, Nakhon Nayok, Phatthalung and Yala, Mr Anucha added.

In Nakhon Ratchasima, the relief operation team there allocated 1.6 million litres of water to local residents in drought-hit areas.

Up to 20 districts in the province have been declared disaster zones.

Chakkarat, Khong, Kham Sakae Saeng and Non Thai districts were in particularly dire need of water while Dan Khun Thot district was the hardest-hit.

Bangkok Post

Last Updated : Saturday April 21, 2007