BANGKOK, Thailand – Residents of Samut Prakan were left reeling after a rare tornado struck on October 12, tearing through homes in Moo 3, Preng Subdistrict, Bang Bo District, leaving five houses damaged, three heavily. Locals described the violent winds as the worst they had ever seen in 70 years. Video footage captured household items swirling into the air as the tornado struck, illustrating the storm’s terrifying power.
Meanwhile, in Angthong Province, elderly residents continue to struggle with prolonged flooding. Noy, 85, has been living atop elevated platforms inside her partially submerged home in Thewarat Subdistrict, Chaiyo District, as floodwaters nearly reached the second floor. Though water levels have slightly receded, the risk of structural damage to her wooden house remains. Local volunteers and relatives are providing food and assistance, but uncertainty persists over when the flooding will end.
According to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), 15 provinces remain affected by flooding, including Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Phichit, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Angthong, Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, and Chachoengsao. Across these provinces, 116,043 households and 387,568 people have been impacted.
Authorities continue to operate rescue teams and deploy heavy machinery to aid affected communities. Relief measures include a financial assistance program of 9,000 baht per household, with provinces tasked to survey damages and prepare for immediate disbursement once funds are allocated. (TNA)
