‘Preventive engineering’ urged to reduce summer storm damage

“Preventive engineering” measures are needed to reduce damage from severe summer storms in Thailand, including offering low-interest emergency loans to help households strengthen homes and buildings before disasters strike, an expert says. Assoc Prof Sayan Sirimontri of the Department of Civil Engineering at Thammasat University said summer storms had caused widespread damage to homes and structures in several northern and northeastern provinces recently.

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Residents can consult engineering specialists through advisory clinics run by the Engineering Institute of Thailand or submit photographs for preliminary assessment via the Facebook page “ Civil Engineering, Thammasat University ”, he said.

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He also warned residents to inspect trees, billboards and attached steel structures that could collapse during storms. Drainage gutters should be cleared of leaves and debris to prevent water accumulation that could overload and detach gutters. 

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He added that households affected by storms can seek compensation from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation through the hotline 1784. Claims require photographic evidence, with compensation capped at 88,600 baht based on actual damage.