HCMC – Thunderstorms, whirlwinds and hail struck northern Vietnam from March 29 to early March 30, leaving three people injured and damaging over 4,100 homes in Lao Cai Province, while triggering localized flooding and chaos in Hanoi.
In Lao Cai, the disaster has caused an estimated VND25.6 billion in damage. Three residents were injured and are currently receiving medical treatment. According to the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, 4,166 houses were damaged, including seven that completely collapsed.
Massive roof-blowing incidents were reported, particularly in Nghia Lo, Trung Tam, and Cau Thia wards. Additionally, 5.6 hectares of crops and fruit trees were destroyed. Local authorities have mobilized various forces to help residents repair homes and stabilize their lives within the next three to seven days.
Meanwhile, Hanoi has experienced torrential rain and localized hail in areas like Viet Hung and Dong Ngac. The downpour has overwhelmed drainage systems, turning streets into rivers with water levels rising 20-40cm. The flooding severely disrupted morning commutes and school activities.
To address the recurring inundation, Hanoi authorities are fast-tracking drainage projects. The Thuy Phuong canal renovation and the construction of a 1.9km box culvert along Vo Chi Cong Road are expected to be fundamentally completed by April 30. These projects aim to improve drainage for the Co Nhue sub-basin and provide environmental water replenishment for the To Lich River during the dry season.
