Strong winds blanket central Da Nang with dust from stadium demolition site

Videos shared online by residents showed thick dust clouds rising from the former Chi Lang Stadium site in Hai Chau Ward, where demolition work is underway.

The dust was lifted high into the air by powerful winds just minutes before rain began.

Residents along Le Duan, Hai Phong, and Ngo Gia Tu Streets reported seeing a gray haze covering part of the city center, reducing visibility and forcing many drivers to slow down.

Tran Huu Duc Nhat, a contributor to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, said the dust resembled fog as it spread across the area.

"I was traveling on Le Duan Street when I saw a huge dust cloud rising from the direction of Chi Lang Stadium," he said.

“The wind was extremely strong and carried dust everywhere.

“Within minutes, the neighborhood was covered in a blanket of gray fog. Fortunately, a brief shower followed and quickly cleared the air."

A resident on Ngo Gia Tu Street said the sudden gusts left many people unprepared, with fine dust and sand particles settling on vehicles and buildings.

Strong winds were also reported on the Thuan Phuoc Bridge, which spans the Han River estuary and is known for being vulnerable to gusts during sudden weather changes.

Videos recorded by residents showed motorcyclists slowing dramatically and leaning their bodies to maintain balance as powerful gusts swept across the bridge.

Tran Van Quy said winds near the Hoa Binh Hotel area were so strong at one point that vehicles could barely move. 

Some cars reportedly stopped to provide shelter from the wind for motorcyclists.

By 4:00 pm, winds remained strong on the bridge, with many commuters removing raincoats and driving cautiously.

This is not the first time strong winds have posed dangers on the Thuan Phuoc Bridge.

Previous incidents have seen motorcyclists fall or stop midway across the bridge to avoid hazardous gusts.