A hailstorm battered a Buddhist temple in northeast Thailand on February 14.

The Mekong temple arch was destroyed while more than 100 religious relics were damaged following the torrential tropical storm in Khon Kaen province.

Officials said 80 percent of the equipment on top of Phra That Luang Chum Phae was damaged. Villagers and temple officials have started assessing the cost of the 30-minute hailstorm.

The destruction came as the meteorological department issued a storm warning in the region. Several areas were hit by heavy rain, strong winds, and hail storms.

Somsak Changtrakul, governor of the Khon Kaen province, said: "We are currently surveying the total damage to provide immediate assistance to the people. Residents have been warned to avoid traveling during the storm and avoid being in an open area to ensure safety to their life and property."

A hailstorm battered a Buddhist temple in northeast Thailand.

The Mekong temple arch was destroyed while more than 100 religious relics were damaged following the torrential tropical storm in Khon Kaen province on February 14.

Officials said 80 per cent of the equipment on top of Phra That Luang Chum Phae was damaged. Villagers and temple officials yesterday began assessing the cost of the 30 minutes hailstorm.

The destruction came as the Meteorological Department issued a storm warning in the region. Several areas have been hit by heavy rain, strong winds, and hail storms.

Governor of Khon Kaen Province Somsak Changtrakul said: 'We are currently surveying the total damage to provide immediate assistance to the people. Residents have been warned to avoid travelling during the storm and avoid being in an open area to ensure safety to their life and property.'