Severe thunderstorms leave four dead and nine injured across northern Vietnam
Severe thunderstorms accompanied by hail, strong winds, lightning, and isolated tornadoes affected northern Vietnam on March 29–30, 2026, leaving four people dead and nine injured. Fatalities were reported in Tuyen Quang, Son La, and Quang Ninh, while widespread structural and agricultural damage was recorded across multiple provinces.
Trees fall in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai due to a strong thunderstorm on the afternoon of March 29, 2026. Credit: VNA
Severe thunderstorms affected northern Vietnam between March 29–30, resulting in four fatalities and nine injuries across multiple provinces.
According to the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority, impacts were recorded across Lao Cai, Cao Bang, Tuyen Quang, Lang Son, Phu Tho, Thai Nguyen, Son La, Quang Ninh, and Hanoi.
According to Vietnam News Agency (VNA), two individuals were killed by lightning strikes in Tuyen Quang and Son La, while two others died in Quang Ninh after a tornado capsized a boat. Injuries were reported in several localities, including six cases in Lao Cai and one case each in Lang Son, Thai Nguyen, and Hanoi.
Hanoi recorded limited impacts compared to northern mountainous provinces, including one injury, damage to two transformer stations, and rainfall totals exceeding 50 mm (2 inches) at some stations.
Hail, strong winds, lightning, intense short-duration rainfall, and isolated tornadoes were observed during the storms.
A total of 13 houses collapsed, including 12 in Lao Cai and one in Son La. An additional 6 551 houses sustained roof damage or structural impacts across Cao Bang, Lao Cai, Tuyen Quang, Lang Son, Phu Tho, Thai Nguyen, and Son La, with the most severe impacts concentrated in Lao Cai and Cao Bang.
Agricultural losses included 35 ha (86 acres) of rice fields in Lao Cai and approximately 182 ha (449 acres) of crops and fruit trees across multiple provinces. Forestry plantations were damaged over an area of 68 ha (168 acres). Livestock losses included 1 280 poultry.
According to VNA, damage to public infrastructure included 172 accessory structures, 34 school facilities, 22 cultural buildings, and three administrative offices. Electrical infrastructure was affected, with 21 power poles toppled and two transformer stations damaged in Hanoi.
Between 19:00 LT on March 29 and 19:00 LT on March 30, several stations recorded rainfall exceeding 50 mm (2 inches), including 70 mm (3 inches) in Bac Ninh and 58 mm (2.3 inches) in Quang Ninh.
The national hydro-meteorological agency forecast the arrival of a weak cold air mass from the night of March 31 to April 1.
Its interaction with existing hot air is expected to support further thunderstorm development, with potential for hail, lightning, strong winds, and isolated tornadoes across northern and north-central regions.
Maximum temperatures ahead of this transition ranged between 35–37°C (95–99°F) across northern areas, with values exceeding 39°C (102°F) in parts of the western mountainous areas from Nghe An to Hue.
Authorities deployed response teams to assist affected residents, assess damage, and support recovery. Local administrations continue monitoring weather developments and issuing warnings.
Residents are advised to take shelter in reinforced structures during thunderstorms, avoid open areas during lightning activity, and secure property against wind and hail damage.
References:
1 Four dead, nine injured as hailstorms, thunderstorms hit northern region – VietnamPlus – March 30, 2026
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