A WATERSPOUT packing strong winds roared across Trat’s Laem Ngob district today (June 2) damaging several houses and a school with this being the worst storm to hit the area in 40 years, Amarin TV said.
Laem Ngob School suffered extensive damage with roofs of some buildings and restrooms blown away while a multipurpose building, a sports field dome, car park, flagpole, and flowerpots were demolished. Tiles and debris were scattered throughout the school grounds.
Reporters also went to nearby shops and found that large metal roofs had been ripped off and flung on the road and several 500-litres water tanks had been toppled by the strong winds. Electricity officials were repairing power lines severed by the roofs the waterspout had lifted and dumped.
Mr. Thawat, 56, a worker at a shop, said before the waterspout raged across the district, he heard a loud bang and the violent winds easily lifted the over 1,000kg roof and dropped it on the road. Fortunately, no one was injured even though workers usually rest under that roof.
He added that in over 20 years of working at this shop he had never witnessed a storm this violent.
Several houses were also damaged in Soi Anusorn Sathan, Laem Ngob subdistrict, with Ms. Benjaporn, the owner of one of them, saying she was about to pick up her laundry when she saw the waterspout forming behind Laem Ngob bridge. She called her parents out to have a look and they filmed the phenomenon. Moments later the fierce storm hit her house and blew the roof away right before her eyes. Her 12 cats panicked and ran away while they took shelter.
Afterwards they were heartbroken to see that most of the roof had gone.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mongkol, 68, the owner of another house in the same alley, said he saw signs of unusual weather conditions shortly before the waterspout moved in. There was a loud bang when it hit before quickly passing away with his roof being severely damaged
He added that a similar incident had occurred over 40 years ago, and today’s violent storm was the worst since then.
Local government officials and related agencies are currently assessing the damage to provide assistance to affected residents.
CAPTION:
The destruction caused by the waterspout raging across Trat’s Laem Ngob district. Photos – Amarin TV
Also read:
Anutin shrugs off Cambodia’s move over maritime dispute
Newin’s protege tipped to be named Interior undersecretary despite ‘Do Help the Blue’ scandal
Soaring prices during the Iran war jeopardise travel to tourism-dependent countries in Asia
Warning issued after glass marbles hit vehicles in two provinces
THAI’s first female pilot breaks 66-year barrier
Thailand among 4 Asean countries not yet buying World Cup broadcasting rights
US and Thailand speed LNG talks as war hits Qatar exports, sources say
Veteran US journalist laments the Lost Horizons of Asia and America
Foreign Ministry taps Young Gen Thai- Muslim talent to build peace tourism
As global military spending grows, Travel & Tourism faces a perilous future
