Nakhon Phanom has been rocked by severe summer storms, causing extensive damage to homes and infrastructure in the region. On April 18, 2025, the storms struck areas including Baan Tha Champa and Baan Kok Sa-at, located in Amphoe Tha Uthen and Tambon Na Ngua, respectively. The violent winds, which resembled a tornado, hit with little warning, leading to destruction across at least ten villages.
Residents reported that within a mere ten minutes, the storms wreaked havoc, tearing roofs off houses and scattering debris across the landscape. The winds were so powerful that they left some homes completely flattened, creating a scene of chaos and panic that the local community had never experienced before.
One local vendor, Ms. Pornpan, recounted her terrifying experience during the storm. She was with her child, taking refuge from the rain behind her noodle shop when she suddenly heard a deafening roar of the wind. "The wind came so fast, in less than ten minutes, the whole roof was ripped away and landed just a meter from where we were hiding! It was a split-second moment!" she recalled, her voice trembling with the memory.
In response to the devastation, Nakhon Phanom's Governor, Mr. Prachya Unpetchwarakorn, swiftly mobilized community leaders and relevant agencies to assess the damage and provide immediate assistance to the affected residents. The emergency response plan includes offering temporary shelter, food, clean water, and essential supplies to those in need. The local administration is also working on long-term recovery strategies to help rebuild the homes that were destroyed.
As the situation unfolds, officials from the Tambon Nakhon Phanom administration are actively surveying the extent of the damage and coordinating ongoing relief efforts. They are committed to ensuring that all victims receive the necessary support and are working tirelessly to restore normalcy in the community.
Meanwhile, the summer storms were not isolated to Nakhon Phanom. On April 19, 2025, Udon Thani also faced severe weather conditions. The storms, which lasted only 15 minutes, caused significant damage in the rural area of Tambon Non Sung-Nam Kham, Mueang Udon Thani District. Reports indicate that over 60 houses suffered damage, with ten of those rendered uninhabitable.
In a particularly alarming incident, a 73-year-old villager was injured when a house collapsed during the storm and required immediate medical attention. Local authorities are working diligently to provide assistance to the affected families, although resources may be strained.
The storm also impacted Sakon Nakhon Province, where officials rushed to pump out floodwaters to prevent further accidents on the roads. The winds left many wooden houses in ruins, with roofs and walls completely stripped away. Fortunately, some residents managed to find temporary shelter under the remaining structures.
Additionally, the storms caused tragic losses in livestock. In Surin Province, four cows died after being struck by lightning while seeking shelter from the storm. Only three calves survived, leaving their owner with the grim task of selling the carcasses to salvage some value from the loss.
As the residents of Nakhon Phanom and surrounding provinces begin to assess the damage and recover from these devastating storms, community leaders are urging for solidarity and support from neighboring areas. They emphasize the importance of coming together to aid those who have lost their homes and livelihoods.
In the wake of such natural disasters, the resilience of the affected communities will be tested, but with coordinated efforts and support, recovery is possible. Local officials are committed to not only addressing immediate needs but also planning for a more resilient future to withstand similar events in the years to come.
Officials are keeping a close eye on the weather forecasts as they continue to assist those impacted by the storms. The community remains hopeful for a swift recovery and is grateful for the support being offered from various sectors.
