Whirlwind devastates Chanthaburi orchard, 50 tonnes of durian lost
A whirlwind storm recently devastated a fruit orchard in Chanthaburi‘s Mueang district, causing over 50 tonnes of durian, nearing harvest, to fall to the ground. The destruction resulted in a financial loss exceeding 8 million baht, with remaining sellable durians fetching only 10 baht per kilogramme.
Yesterday, April 7, local journalists visited the fruit orchard in Mueang district, Chanthaburi province, to verify reports of the storm’s impact. The storm, which struck on April 6 at 5pm, hit the orchard of 52 year old Warunee Khongsuan particularly hard.
The strong winds caused a significant amount of durians, primarily the Monthong variety, to fall prematurely. Warunee, along with her daughter and son, was seen collecting the fallen durians into baskets.
The storm’s damage was immediate and severe. Warunee reported that approximately three tonnes of durians were lost, a financial blow estimated at 450,000 baht (US$13,000). The storm also uprooted seven durian trees, with the total damage still being assessed.
Normally, these durians would sell for around 150 to 170 baht (US$4.3 to US$5) per kilogramme, but due to the storm, they are currently priced at only 10 baht per kilogramme.
Prasit Boonthong, the 56 year old village headman of Mueang district, confirmed that around 20 orchard owners were affected by the storm.
The overall loss of durian production is estimated to be between 40 and 50 tonnes, translating to a financial impact of approximately 8.5 million baht (US$245,570). Additionally, one house in the area suffered damage when roof tiles were blown off.
In response to the disaster, local administrative organisations and the district agriculture office have conducted initial assessments of the damage.
Efforts are underway to provide immediate assistance, including the procurement of roof tiles for repairs. The damage report has been forwarded to the provincial governor to expedite aid for affected residents, reported KhaoSod.
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