Summer storm tears roofs off homes in Nong Khai

2026-03-23 - 04:50

NONG KHAI — 23 March 2026, A summer storm has damaged dozens of homes in Hat Kham subdistrict, Mueang Nong Khai district, with local officials rushing to assess the impact and provide assistance. Hat Kham Municipality chief Mr. Thaworn Chaichan and his team inspected affected areas in Ban Fai village on the morning of 23 March, after a storm struck the area late on 22 March, bringing strong winds and hail in some locations. One resident, Mrs. Chanpheng Chaipat, 77, said powerful gusts tore off the entire corrugated metal roof of her two-storey half-concrete, half-wooden house. She said water began leaking from above before winds intensified. Although similar storms had occurred in the village long ago, this was only the second such incident she had experienced. After the rain subsided, she found the roof had been completely blown away. Mrs. Chanpheng Chaipat, 77, said powerful gusts tore off the entire roof of her house Another resident, Mrs. Phiu Khenaphum, 73, whose house is of similar construction, also suffered roof damage, with strong winds ripping away metal sheets and scattering them elsewhere. Mrs. Phiu Khenaphum, 73, points to where her roof was torn off by strong winds during the storm No injuries were reported. Initial assessments in Ban Fai village indicate about 60 households were affected, with around four homes severely damaged. In some cases, entire roofs were blown off, while others were partially damaged. Approximately 300 residents have been impacted. Agricultural structures and livestock pens were also damaged. Officials said they will compile detailed damage reports to determine further assistance for affected residents.