A fierce tropical storm damaged 20 houses as it ripped through a village in northern Thailand.

Torrential rains and powerful winds struck Ban Huai Saphaet village in Chiang Mai province on May 10, uprooting trees and causing power outages in the area.

Local authorities said the storm lasted 30 minutes and blew down thousands of trees, while five power poles were toppled, knocking down power to the village.

Footage shows the short-lived storm pummeling houses with heavy rain.

Resident Chantip Sathitpongprai said she and her grandchild took shelter in their home's basement due to the intensity of the downpour. After the storm had passed, she discovered that parts of her corrugated iron roof had been torn off and landed in their yard. Her longan trees, which were already bearing fruit, had also been destroyed.

Phra Ajarn Thong, a monk at Wat Huai Saphaet temple, said: 'The storm came suddenly without any warning.

'It started as a very large whirlwind, then grew so strong that it almost blew away large trees.

'I hope the authorities can help and rescue the affected residents.'

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