by Kanyasorn Thintip, Nisanart Kangwanwong – The Nation
As former tropical storm “Podul” continued to weaken yesterday as it plodded westward throughout north -central Thailand, the Sun Men district within the northern province of Phrae was battered yesterday morning, with toppled trees and energy poles, and roofs blown off homes.
Provincial governor Pongrat Piromrat referred to as an urgent meeting of all district chiefs to assist residents who were affected. He also warned of the potential of severe climate conditions until Sunday, and to plan an efficient evacuation for riverside residents if necessary.
Sung Men’s tambon Nam Cham saw roofs blow off a quantity of homes, and trees fall down, knocking down five power poles along with them and leading to an early morning blackout in Nam Cham and its adjoining tambon Pong Pa Lai. Meanwhile, Ban Phra Luang (Moo 5) in tambon Phra Luang saw a big teak tree fall and block an area street.
No strings attached at Nakhon Chiang Mai Municipality diverted 30% of about 300,000 cubic metres of water at the outdated metropolis moat into the Ping River to soak up a few of Podul’s rainfall, based on the municipality’s public works division head Wisakha Panyachauy.
Workers had been dispatched to dredge drainage pipes and clear away water hyacinths, whereas official had been on an around-the-clock watch for flooding particularly of the at-risk roads of Sri Ping Muang, Chang Klan and Suthep (near Ton Payom Market).
SOURCE: The Nation