At least one person has been killed and two others hospitalised with serious injuries in Banteay Meanchey after storms wreaked havoc in the province’s Malai and Svay Chek districts on Tuesday.

The storms also destroyed some 55 houses, according to provincial officials.

Hem Sokha, Malai district governor, said the storm had destroyed 10 houses in his district and called the storm a “terrible event”.

“One woman was struck to death by lightning, another suffered serious head injuries because his house fell on him, and another woman had injuries from electric shocks,” he said.

There was greater destruction in Svay Chek district, with 45 homes destroyed – although no one was hurt.

But Svay Chek district governor Chea Chhlong said help was on the way.

“Tomorrow, the Red Cross will make a donation to the victims,” he said.