Hailstorm batters Fansipan peak in northern Vietnam

Hail and heavy rain also triggered widespread damage across multiple communes and wards in the province.

Hail fell from 5:00 pm and 5:20 pm, paired with moderate to heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds, hitting at least 12 communes and wards in the province, according to the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment.

Hailstones blanketed pathways near the summit of Fansipan in Sa Pa Ward, Vietnam’s highest mountain.

The ice quickly melted under intense rainfall that followed.

In Sa Pa Ward, three houses had their roofs torn off by powerful gusts.

Elsewhere, in Sin Cheng Commune, a teaching housing facility at a kindergarten in Phin Chu 3 Village was completely unroofed.

Several locals were also affected.

One household in the village lost its entire roof, while another nearby suffered similar damage, with many belongings destroyed.

A quick report from the provincial department indicated that the thunderstorms and hail caused losses not only to housing but also to agricultural production and infrastructure, including roads and schools.

In response, the provincial People’s Committee instructed the 12 affected wards and communes to immediately assess the damage, compile detailed reports, and mobilize available resources for recovery efforts.

Emergency assistance is being deployed to support affected households and schools, including temporary shelter arrangements for displaced residents and teachers.

Due to a cold air mass, coupled with a wind convergence zone at altitudes between 1,500 and 5,000 meters, the northern region is forecast to see widespread rain and thunderstorms, with precipitation ranging from 20 to 40 millimeters on Thursday afternoon and evening, according to the national weather center.

Rainfall is forecast to spread to the north-central region through Friday, while several provinces in central Vietnam may experience scattered showers and thunderstorms through Saturday.

The national weather center has cautioned that the ongoing conflict between the cold air mass and the existing warm, humid air over northern Vietnam and the central provinces could generate strong convective activity, increasing the likelihood of tornadoes, hailstorms, and damaging winds, particularly in mountainous and midland areas of northern Vietnam and some central provinces.