Severe Storm Batters Udon Thani, Felled Trees Block Roads; 42-Year-Old Motorcyclist Fatally Injured After Striking Fallen Tree in Darkness
A severe storm in Udon Thani's Kudsab District on April 23 destroyed dozens of homes and toppled trees across roads, killing a 42-year-old motorcyclist who struck a fallen tree in darkness.
A severe storm and heavy rain struck Kudsab District, Udon Thani Province on the night of April 23, causing widespread destruction to homes and resulting in at least one death. Field investigations in Ban Non Thana, Moo 9, Sang Ko Subdistrict, Kudsab District revealed large trees snapped and fallen across roadways, power lines severed, and dozens of rubber trees toppled. Approximately 30-40 homes had their roofs blown away, and several were crushed by fallen trees.
Ms. Yo, 43, recounted that the storm arrived around 2-3 p.m. with terrifying winds and rain, forcing residents to seek shelter. Though her home was damaged by a fallen longan tree, she was fortunate it didn't strike anyone. Her brother's house lost its entire roof. Ms. Suphrani, 58, described the unexpected ferocity of the storm, with the roof completely blown away and electrical arcing occurring. She and her grandchild clung together as their roof flew off, noting she hadn't experienced anything similar in 20 years.
On roads between Ban Sang Ko and Ban Pako subdistricts, large fallen trees blocked passages in darkness. Mr. Mai, 42, riding a motorcycle to go fish-catching with his brother, failed to see a massive fallen tree blocking the darkened road and collided head-on with tremendous force, suffering a fatal neck injury.
