Severe hailstorm damages hundreds of homes in Bắc Hà, Lào Cai Province, Vietnam
A severe hailstorm struck Bắc Hà Commune, Lào Cai Province, Vietnam, in the early hours of April 16, 2026, damaging 338 homes, injuring four people, and affecting 485.5 ha (1 200 acres) of crops. The storm, which lasted about 20–30 minutes, produced large hail and strong winds that caused structural damage and economic losses exceeding VND 30 billion (USD 1.1–1.2 million).
Gain hailstone found in Lao Cai, Vietnam on April 16, 2026. Credit: TH
A severe hailstorm struck Bắc Hà Commune in Lào Cai Province during the early hours of April 16, producing large hail and strong winds that caused widespread damage to homes and agricultural land.
According to the Lào Cai provincial government, the storm began at around 01:20–01:30 local time and lasted approximately 20–30 minutes. Hailstones described as large as a fist or even a bowl fell alongside strong wind gusts, damaging residential structures and crops across affected areas.
Authorities reported that 338 homes were affected, including 333 with partial roof damage and 5 with roofs completely blown off. Damage was concentrated in Trung Tâm Village, near the former Bắc Hà Town administrative area.
Four people were injured when strong winds and debris caused structural failures in temporary shelters where they were staying. The injured were taken to the hospital for treatment.
Local media reported that 485.5 ha (1 200 acres) of crops were damaged by hail impact and wind. Local authorities estimated total economic losses at more than VND 30 billion (USD 1.1–1.2 million).
The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting attributed the event to a weak cold air mass moving southward, compressing a low-pressure trough over northern Vietnam. The interaction between this cooler air and a pre-existing hot, humid air mass created unstable atmospheric conditions favorable for strong convective storms capable of producing hail, lightning, and damaging winds.
The April 16 event occurred during a period of increased severe weather activity across northern Vietnam. In late March 2026, severe thunderstorms affected multiple provinces, including Hanoi, Lào Cai, Phú Thọ, and Sơn La, resulting in fatalities and structural damage.
On March 31, Vietnam’s National Civil Defense Steering Committee issued directives to strengthen preparedness for thunderstorms, hail, lightning, and whirlwinds during the seasonal transition period from March to May, when convective activity becomes more frequent.
Forecast guidance from national meteorological authorities indicates that similar conditions may persist in the short term, with continued risk of thunderstorms, strong winds, and localized hail across northern regions.
References:
1 Hailstorm collapses house, injures four in Lao Cai – dtinews – April 16, 2026
2 Severe midnight hailstorm shocks residents in Lao Cai – VietnamNet – April 16, 2026
I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers.news.
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