Storm hits island capsizing boats and damaging homes

A severe storm capsized boats and damaged homes as it lashed an island in Thailand.

Huge waves reaching up to 10ft struck Koh Libon island in Trang province on September 18.

Village council leader Asan Khonkayan said seven fishing boats were overturned near the coast, while 15 homes were wrecked - seven partially and eight completely destroyed.

He said: 'Provincial authorities have been notified. However, it may take time for help to arrive because we are on an island. Traveling in the sea is currently impossible because of the rough waves. For now, the villagers must rely on themselves.'

A resort on the island was also damaged. The estimated cost of destruction has not yet been tallied.

Coastal residents fearing more waves will hit have reportedly begun dismantling their properties.

Fishermen were warned not to sail in the poor weather conditions.

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warned locals of possible flash floods and thunderstorms as the monsoon was prevailing across the country. The agency said Tropical Storm Pulasan and another tropical depression were churning up waves up to 13 feet in the Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand.

The TMD has discouraged small boats from sailing from September 18 to 23.

Thailand and neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia are in their annual monsoon rainy season which sees soaring temperatures followed by powerful rain storms in the afternoon leading to widespread flash floods.

Tropical Storm Pulasan entered the Philippine monitoring zone on September 17, bringing intense rains as it enhanced the southwest monsoon. It left the Philippine Area of Responsibility on September 18 afternoon and was approaching China's eastern region.

China's National Meteorological Center said Pulasan is expected to slam into the coast of Zhejiang province on September 19 afternoon.