The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment reported that thunderstorms, whirlwinds and lightning on the evening of May 2 affected Hanoi and several northern provinces, including Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Cao Bang, Lao Cai, Tuyen Quang, Phu Tho and Thai Nguyen.
A total of 12 people were injured, including five in Thai Nguyen and seven in Tuyen Quang, while 2,077 homes had roofs torn off.
About 2,300 hectares of rice and crops were damaged, with the heaviest losses recorded in Dien Bien and Thai Nguyen. Other affected areas included Lao Cai, Hanoi and Tuyen Quang.
The storms also damaged infrastructure, with 16 schools losing roofs, 72 electricity poles broken or toppled, and around 50 metres of embankment collapsing in Phu Tho.
A wedding marquee in Dai Tu, Thai Nguyen Province, was completely brought down by violent winds on the afternoon of May 2 (Photo: B.H.).
Further south, thunderstorms, strong winds and hail struck Nghe An and Ha Tinh on the evening of May 3, causing additional damage to homes and crops. Authorities are continuing to assess losses.
Forecasters said northern areas and Thanh Hoa are expected to see scattered showers and thunderstorms on May 4, with rainfall of 10 to 20 mm and up to 40 mm in some places. From Nghe An to Hue City, rainfall of 10 to 30 mm is forecast, with isolated areas exceeding 50 mm.
Officials warned that thunderstorms could bring whirlwinds, lightning, hail and strong gusts, with localised heavy rain increasing the risk of flash floods, landslides and flooding in low lying areas.