Storms expected in 48 provinces

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Storms expected in 48 provinces
By THE NATION
2011-04-20

The chief of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, Wibul Sa-nguanpong, warned yesterday that 48 provinces in the North, Northeast and East could be hit by summer storms within a day or two and that department officials should be prepared.

The provinces at risk are Phitsanulok, Tak, Sukhothai, Phetchabun, Uttaradit, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Nan, Phayao, Phrae, Nong Bua Lampu, Loei, Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Sakhon Nakhon, Nakhon Panom, Mukdahan, Khon Kaen, Roi Et, Maha Sarakham, Kalasin, Nakhon Ratchasima, Surin, Buri Ram, Chaiyaphum, Ubon Ratchathani, Amnat Charoen, Si Sa Ket, Yasothon, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaew, Nakhon Nayok, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Ayutthaya, Sing Buri, Angthong, Saraburi, Lop Buri and Chai Nat.

Wibul also advised people to follow weather reports closely, put away their valuables, strengthen their buildings and stay away from trees, advertising signs and unstable structures. They should also refrain from wearing conductive materials such as gold or silver necklaces or using mobile phones during a storm.

Several provinces in the North suffered from heavy rain yesterday morning, especially in Sukhothai's Muang district, which was so badly flooded that officials had to spend two hours draining the water.

Meanwhile, Chiang Mai officials also trimmed the rubber trees along Chiang Mai-Lamphun Road to prevent branches falling off and hurting passing motorists or homes nearby - a frequent occurrence during storms.

In Kalasin's Yan Talat district, 70 homes were damaged by a storm on Monday evening. Provincial Governor Wiroj Jivarangsan took relief bags to victims yesterday morning and gave some assistance money to the family of Pranee Phuphewpha, 54, who was killed by a lighting bolt.

In Chaiyaphum, where more than 100 homes in Muang and Khon Sawan districts were also damaged by the storm on Monday, Governor Jarin Jakkapak said officials were assessing the damage and seeking ways to assist the affected residents.