Hailstorm causes damage as cold snap strikes
VOV.VN - The northern mountainous province of Lao Cai has been hit by the first hailstorm of the year after a cold snap struck the locality on March 21.
The hail lasted between five and seven minutes in Ham Rong ward of Sa Pa town and Ton Sanh commune in Bat Xat district, with the ground covered in hailstones ranging from 0.3 cm to 0.5 cm in diameter.
A period of heavy rain and hailstorm also damaged and flooded several homes before destroying 3ha of newly transplanted rice, 14 ha of corn, and 2.7 ha of watermelon and cucumber, causing total losses of VND400 million.
The adverse weather phenomenon also occurred in Muong Khuong district in Lao Cai province and in neighbouring Dien Bien province.
Local authorities immediately deployed forces in an effort to support local people impacted by the heavy hails.
According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, downpours and thunderstorms are forecast to hit north-central and central regions at this time of year. Local authorities are therefore requested to regularly update forecasts, warnings, and instructions, as well as getting ready to help localities with search and rescue missions if necessary.
The northern region will continue to experience a cold spell, with temperatures dropping to between 15 to 18 degrees Celsius. Local residents, especially elderly people and children, are advised to don warm clothes to protect their health.
