Widespread blackouts hit three districts of Thailand’s northern province of Chiang Rai on Saturday night after the areas experienced heavy rain and hail storms.
Several trees along the Chiang Saen-Chiang Rai Road, from Tambon Chanchawa in Mae Chan district to Tambon Wiang Chiang Saen of Chiang Saen district, were felled by strong winds, blocking traffic.
Provincial officials said that the storm, which struck Mae Sai, Chiang Saen and Mae Chan districts, lasted about 30 minutes and damaged several houses.
They said that relief operations by the provincial public disaster mitigation unit had been hampered by the power blackout, which lasted several hours before mechanics from the provincial electricity authority managed to restore the supply.
credit picture : Kowit_Boondham
The sudden storm was caused by the westerly wind current over the northern region, rapidly drawing up very humid air below. This resulted in the formation of vertical clouds and subsequent storms, according to the local Weatherman.
The Meteorological Department reports that there might be rain or hail storms in some areas of Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai provinces today.
