Rare strong winds topple tree at Doi Suthep temple, causing panic among visitors

A rare windstorm, known locally as “Lom Luang“, surprised tourists and monks when it struck Doi Suthep Temple in Chiang Mai, resulting in a large tree collapsing across the Naga staircase. The incident occurred at 4pm today, when the forceful winds swept through the summit, causing a large red tree, big enough for three people to hug, to fall, blocking the middle of the staircase leading up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Ratchaworawihan. Fortunately, no tourists were passing by, and only a spotlight suffered damage. The unexpected severe windstorm left monks and tourists startled, as such events are infrequent on the summit of Doi Suthep.

Once the wind calmed down, temple officials and locals collaboratively took about an hour to remove the fallen tree trunk and branches from the area, employing chainsaws to accomplish the task. The staircase was subsequently reopened, allowing visitors and locals to ascend and descend as usual.

The Northern Meteorology Centre forecasts weather conditions from 6pm today to 6pm tomorrow in the northern region, predicting hot to very hot temperatures accompanied by thunderstorms during the day. They expect only 10% of the area to be affected by rain and potential strong gusts of wind, mainly in Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, and Phetchabun provinces. The general public is advised to be cautious of the dangers that may arise.