On October 12, a powerful tornado swept through Preng Subdistrict, Bang Bo District, Samut Prakan Province, Thailand. In a matter of minutes, the strong winds ripped off roofs and tore through homes, leaving at least five families without shelter. While no casualties were reported, the sudden devastation left residents shaken and concerned about their future.
A community’s resilience
Following the disaster, volunteers quickly initiated assessment. Two days after the tornado, they coordinated with Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) and local administrations, arriving at the affected sites. Despite the lingering wind and rain, volunteers visited each household, not just documenting damage but also listening attentively to the fear and unease of the residents, offering immediate care and emotional support.
Among the affected was Somjai, who lived a simple life with his wife. On the day of the tornado, his son and grandchildren were visiting. Without warning, the tornado struck, destroying their home, two water pumps, two granaries, and two carports in an instant. Recalling the terrifying moments, Somjai said, “My son quickly told the children and my wife to get into the car and escape. We couldn’t save the house, only our lives. Thankfully, we got out in time.”
The very next day, local government officials and neighbors rallied to help. Over twenty villagers worked together to construct a temporary shelter, providing Somjai with a basic living space. Despite the sudden loss, the outpouring of support reignited his courage to face life and deeply feel the loving warmth of people in this world.
LEFT: The severely damaged two-story house with a wooden upper structure was reduced to broken walls and pillars, with debris scattered everywhere. RIGHT: The tornado completely tore the roof off, leaving the inside of the home in chaos. Pots, utensils, and daily necessities were scattered, drenched, and damaged beyond use. | Photos: S. Khara
Three days after the tornado, the affected resident Kanyarat was still at home, trying to salvage what she could from her ruined property. A temporary tent, set up with assistance from the local government, served as a makeshift shelter for her and her family. Leading volunteers through the debris, she pointed to the remaining walls of her collapsed house, still visibly shaken. “At that moment, I couldn’t think of anything except finding a corner to hide. When I looked back, everything was gone. The sky was suddenly exposed, and there was nothing left.”
Her two-story house, with a wooden upper floor and concrete lower structure, was almost completely destroyed. “Yes, the upstairs was wooden, and the downstairs was concrete, but now it’s all blown away. Only some steel frames remain,” she explained. Her family of nine, who once shared the home, are now scattered, staying with relatives while they await reconstruction. Despite the immense loss, Kanyarat expressed profound gratitude. “I am truly thankful to everyone. In such a difficult time, so many people are willing to help us, constantly sending clothes, bedding, and dry food. It lets us know we are not alone.”
Later, when volunteers returned on October 24 for a follow-up visit, Kanyarat chose to accompany them. Despite her personal loss, she found strength in helping others, visiting door-to-door with the volunteers to deliver comfort to her neighbors. Her personal experience allowed her to deeply understand their fears, and seeing the smiles on her neighbors’ faces as they received assistance helped lighten her own burden.
LEFT: Survivors temporarily reside in government-assisted temporary shelters, sharing their post-disaster living conditions. RIGHT: Kanyarat (right), whose two-story home was reduced to one by the winds, accompanies volunteers to visit other affected neighbors, finding solace in helping others. | Photos: S. Khara
United in support
Prayoon, Director of the Preng Sub-district Administrative Organization in Bang Bo District, who accompanied the volunteers during the assessment, also expressed his appreciation for everyone's support:
This disaster has received attention from both district and provincial governments. I also thank all the charitable organizations for their concerted efforts in relief work. Everyone coming together to care for the affected residents, providing both practical and spiritual support, is incredibly important for them.
On October 24, volunteers returned to provide further care to seven affected households. They distributed cash relief and red envelopes of blessings and wisdom, gently reassuring the residents. Volunteers also prepared Jing Si multi-grain instant mix powder, hoping to support the survivors’ nutrition and health during the challenging home reconstruction process. Many residents expressed their gratitude with a thumbs-up.
Guided by the principle of “When others are hurt, we feel their pain; when others suffer, we feel their sorrow,” volunteers are committed to delivering love and hope through tangible actions.
On October 24, volunteers provided seven disaster-affected households with relief funds and red envelopes of blessings and wisdom, along with nourishing grain powder to help families maintain their health during the rebuilding of their homes. | Photos: Pinticha Jansuksri (left) and Budsara Sombut (right)
Written by Budsara Sombut
Source: 龍捲風襲擊普冷鄉 慈濟志工啟動關懷
