CHIANG RAI – Governor Chucheep Phongchai has ordered an urgent damage assessment and immediate public assistance, following a fierce summer storm that battered several districts on April 28, 2026. A powerful summer storm hit Chiang Rai province hard. Heavy rains and fierce winds caused major damage across several local districts.
He ordered them to survey the storm damage quickly and help affected residents immediately. The primary goal is to ensure everyone is safe and has the support they need.
The severe weather lasted late into the night, leaving many people without power and facing dangerous road conditions. According to a report by FM91BKK, local rescue teams are currently working hard to clear the wreckage and support the community.
Widespread Damage in Mae Sai District
The storm caused the most significant trouble in the Mae Sai district. The extreme winds were so strong that they completely knocked down a large radio communication tower. This tower, owned by the Promwihan Foundation, was located in the Wiang Phang Kham subdistrict. Tragically, the heavy structure crashed directly into high-voltage power lines.
As a result of this collapse, a massive power outage plunged a large part of the community into darkness. Furthermore, the tangled wires and fallen metal blocked Phahonyothin Road.
This road is an essential main route for daily travelers and delivery trucks. Naturally, this sudden blockade caused major traffic jams and created highly stressful conditions for drivers trying to get home safely in the dark.
Swift Action to Restore Normalcy
Fortunately, local authorities acted with great speed to resolve the crisis. Workers from the Wiang Phang Kham municipal office partnered closely with the Provincial Electricity Authority to fix the damage.
Together, they braved the dark and rainy conditions to clear the heavy debris from the highway. By the middle of the night, they successfully removed the dangerous obstacles and repaired the broken power lines. Thanks to their fast response, electricity was fully restored to the homes.
Additionally, strong winds blew over several massive trees. Some trees fell near the 191 Police Patrol Center in Mae Sai. Other fallen trees blocked local village streets, particularly along the busy route connecting Mae Sai to Chiang Saen. Emergency crews rushed to these locations to chop up the wood and clear the lanes. Consequently, all affected roads are now fully open for normal traffic.
Government Aid and Financial Support
Following the immediate cleanup, the provincial government is focusing on long-term recovery. Governor Chucheep told local offices to carefully count the number of damaged homes and flooded farm areas.
Gathering this exact information is crucial. It allows the government to deliver basic building materials to fix broken roofs and walls. Moreover, it helps officials provide proper financial aid to families who have lost their crops or property.
Remaining on High Alert for Future Threats
To prevent future tragedies, the Chiang Rai Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office has issued a strict warning. They want all local districts to remain highly alert.
To ensure public safety, officials must focus on these critical steps:
- Keep rescue workers and medical staff on standby 24 hours a day.
- Make sure heavy machinery, like cranes and bulldozers, is ready to move instantly.
- Stock up on essential emergency supplies for quick distribution.
- Monitor daily weather forecasts to track shifting storm patterns.
By following these simple safety measures, the government hopes to protect its citizens from future natural disasters.
Related Chiang Rai News:
7 Highway Workers Injured After Truck Overturns in Chiang Rai
Fierce Summer Storm Batters Chiang Rai: Homes Damaged and Power Lost
