700+ homes damaged, crops destroyed as hail strikes Chiang Mai

At least 700 homes have been damaged and crops destroyed after hail struck various districts across Chiang Mai yesterday, Dec. 29.

Hail was recorded in districts including Mae Wang, San Pa Tong, Doi Lo, Chom Thong, Hang Dong, Chai Prakan, Fang and Chiang Dao.

The Royal Thai Army soldiers along with emergency services workers and officials from the Chiang Mai Office of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation were deployed to provide assistance.

Among the worst affected areas were Yang Khram in Doi Lo where the at least 700 homes suffered from roof damage primarily hail stones perforating roofs. In Mae Wang initial reports suggested that at least 10 houses had been similarly damaged. Several homes were damaged in San Pa Tong on the outskirts of the Chiang Mai metropolitan area as well.

In Huai Nam Dang National Park in Mae Taeng there was some damage caused by fallen trees.

The extent of the agricultural damage across the province is not yet know however all districts affected by hail reportered either crop damage or destruction. Crops worse affected included onion, turnips, kale and strawberry crops. Early estimates put crop damage in the millions of baht.

Outside of Chiang Mai, there was also hail damage reported in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai and Phrae.

Photo: Konlannanews