>> Storm forecast to inundate Hanoi, threatening northern crops

The second storm to hit Vietnam this year wrecked havoc on several localities in the north yesterday, June 23, causing serious human and property losses.

Storm damage in Haiphong

The northern port city of Haiphong has been the hardest hit. The storm caused a whirlwind in Thuy Nguyen District’s An Lu Commune. As of this morning, the storm has caused two deaths, including one pregnant woman, as well as 79 injuries.

The roofs of more than 1,000 houses torn off, 16 houses were destroyed along with two schools.

The local government of Thuy Ngyen District has granted VND5 million (USD241.5) to each family that has suffered a fatality, said Bui Van Vi, Chairman of the district People’s Committee.

The capital city of Hanoi was also impacted with floods and severe traffic congestion.

Downpours of between 100 to 100 millimetres are forecast to continue today [June 24] in the capital city.

According to unofficial statistics, at least three fishing boats in the central province of Nghe An were sunk while on their way to storm shelters One crew member still missing.

The central province of Nghe An has 4,200 fishing boats, with 22,300 crew members. So far, nearly 400 fishing boats with 2,700 labours are still at sea, while the rest has moved to shelters.

As of yesterday afternoon [June 23], 737 fishing boats with 5,619 workers in the central province of Thanh Hoa were still at sea. In the meantime, 7,731 other boats with 23,381 crew members had arrived at storm shelters.

The storm also caused damages to a wide range of rice fields in many northern localities. Farmers have harvested only between 20% and 30% of their crops.

In the next 24 hours, the storm is forecast to move towards the West and Southwest with the strongest wind at level 6 or 7.

737 fishing boats with 5,619 workers in Thanh Hoa were still at sea as of June 23 afternoon

Severe traffic congestion

Floods in Hanoi