Suphan buri: Severe summer storms have wreaked havoc across several provinces, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. In Suphan Buri, hundreds of houses suffered damage as power poles were toppled, causing extensive power outages and significant disruption.
According to Thai News Agency, the storm struck with heavy rain and powerful winds, uprooting trees and knocking down large road signs in Suphan Buri province. The hardest-hit areas included Ban Pho Subdistrict in Mueang Suphan Buri District and Don Chedi Subdistrict, where over 100 high-voltage power poles were downed, particularly along the Taling Chan-Don Chedi route. Local authorities have cautioned residents to avoid open areas and unstable structures.
Mr. Udom Prongfah, President of the Suphan Buri Provincial Administrative Organization, reported that initial assessments found some houses uninhabitable, with roofs completely blown off and residents left in fear. Immediate assistance is being mobilized by provincial agencies to support the affected communities.
Meanwhile, in Nakhon Phanom province, durian farmers face significant losses as the storm uprooted trees and caused durian fruits to fall prematurely. The storm impacted 200-300 rai of orchards in Sam Phung Subdistrict, Si Songkhram District, and Don Toey Subdistrict, Na Thom District, with damages exceeding half a million baht.
The storm's impact has been devastating for farmers, as many unripe durians were lost. Although some fruits were salvaged and sold at reduced prices, others were unsaleable and repurposed as fertilizer. Farmers are appealing for government support amid rising fertilizer costs and declining durian prices, which have dropped to 100-120 baht per kilogram from previous highs of 200-250 baht.
The destructive storms have not only caused immediate damage but have also compounded the challenges faced by farmers in these regions, highlighting the urgent need for assistance and support.