Summer storms lash Thai North

BANGKOK, March 17 (TNA) - The Meteorological Department has warned that the northern Thai region may be hit by summer storms this week. In Pichit Province in the Lower Thai North, Taphan Hin Disitrict was first hit by a 5-hour summer storm on Monday, falling down large trees and damaging 40 houses, monasteries and local farmlands. Head of the Klong Khun Tambon Administrative Organisation Sommai Khantasuksa, along with concerned officials, inspected the damages in order to seek budget to assist the storm victims. Meanwhile, various agencies have been mobilised to assist hailstorm victims in Loei Province in the Thai Northeast. Loei's Phu Rua District, particularly in the Na Haew locality, was severely damaged by Sunday's hailstorm, with local houses, schools, governmental offices and farmlands wrecked. However, no casualties were reported and agencies concerned have urgently provided assistance to the victims.(TNA)