Around 1:30 p.m. on 5/10, a hailstorm occurred in parts of Don Duong commune. Ms. Nhu Quynh, who lives near national highway 27, reported that hailstones the size of pinky fingertips fell for about 15 minutes, followed by heavy rainfall.

Ms. Thao, who was traveling through the area at the time, noted that the hailstones were scattered, not dense, and did not significantly affect vehicles. This phenomenon also appeared in some residential areas around Don Duong. "The hailstones were small and did not greatly impact vehicles on the road", Ms. Thao stated.

Hailstones collected by residents before the heavy rain. *Photo: Khanh Huong*

Hail typically forms in powerful thunderstorms. Updrafts carry water droplets into cold upper atmospheric layers, causing them to freeze and accumulate into hailstones before falling when they become heavy enough. This phenomenon often occurs during strong convective weather, potentially accompanied by heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds.

Following the hailstorm, heavy rain continued across a wide area. At the Thanh My measuring station, rainfall exceeded 114 mm, submerging a roughly 200 m stretch of national highway 27.

Water levels rose 30-50 cm, making it difficult for motorbikes and electric bicycles to pass. As cars and trucks drove through, the strong waves caused many vehicles to sway. Some vehicles stalled, forcing people to dismount and push them through the flooded area.

The national highway section in front of Thanh My gas station was heavily flooded. *Photo: Nhu Quynh*

According to local residents, the heavy rainfall in a short period overwhelmed the drainage system. Residents and authorities subsequently cleared drains and manholes. Approximately 40 minutes later, the water largely receded.

Lam Dong has experienced continuous heavy rainfall in recent days. On 4/10, many areas in Da Lat experienced localized flooding, with water levels exceeding one meter in some places, overflowing into homes and submerging many motorbikes.

On the same day, rapidly flowing water from upstream streams submerged many areas in Bao Lam 2 commune by 0,8-1,2 m. More than 40 households and 30 tourists had to be evacuated to safety.

In Hai Ninh commune, upstream water unexpectedly surged into the Dong Mang spillway, sweeping away two people who were camping. One person was rescued, while the other died.

Khanh Huong