Bien Hoa City in Dong Nai province experienced heavy downpours and powerful gusts of wind, causing numerous trees to fall and block roads like Nguyen Du, Phan Dinh Phung, and Nguyen Thi Ton streets, leading to traffic jams. The affected areas included Tran Bien, Tan Trieu, Trang Dai, and Long Binh Tan wards.

A resident's roof blown onto the street during the storm in Bien Hoa ward. Photo: Thai Ha

A resident's roof blown onto the street during the storm in Bien Hoa ward. Photo: Thai Ha

Many homes suffered roof damage, while billboards and traffic signs were also blown away. "Before the rain, the wind howled fiercely, and objects flew everywhere as if a typhoon had hit," said Lan, a resident of Nguyen Thi Ton street.

Strong winds on bridges such as Dong Nai, Hoa An, An Hao, and Buu Hoa made it challenging for motorcyclists, forcing many to pull over for safety.

In Ho Chi Minh City, a 30-minute storm brought down trees and signs across the city center. Near the intersection of Tran Quang Dieu and Le Van Sy streets, a 30-meter tree branch fell onto a moving seven-seater car, crushing the front and shattering the windshield. Fortunately, the 4 occupants escaped unharmed.

"Luckily, the road was relatively empty at the time, and many motorbikes had already pulled over to take shelter from the rain, so no one was injured," reported Huong, a local resident.

A seven-seater car crushed by a fallen tree near the intersection of Tran Quang Dieu and Le Van Sy streets. Photo: Dinh Van

A seven-seater car crushed by a fallen tree near the intersection of Tran Quang Dieu and Le Van Sy streets. Photo: Dinh Van

Fallen trees damaged vehicles near Con Rua Lake, Tan Vinh Loc commune, and Cau Rach Suoi road. Signs and poles on Cach Mang Thang Tam and Phan Dang Luu streets were also knocked down or bent by the wind.

The storm also impacted Vung Tau City, Ba Ria City, and Ngai Giao commune, downing trees and traffic lights. In Ba Ria ward, a large billboard was dislodged, posing a hazard to passersby.

In Ngai Giao commune, nearly an hour of heavy rain and strong winds uprooted trees over 10 meters tall along National Highway 56 and near the local primary school. Several signs and public facilities were also damaged.

Fallen tree in front of Ngai Giao Primary School, Ngai Giao commune. Photo: Truong Ha

Fallen tree in front of Ngai Giao Primary School, Ngai Giao commune. Photo: Truong Ha

Around 1:30 p.m., strong winds and heavy rain brought down large trees in Phan Thiet, Phu Thuy, and Thanh Hai wards of Phan Thiet City. On Tran Hung Dao street, two trees opposite the former provincial People's Committee building were uprooted, landing on the sidewalk.

At the 19/4 roundabout, a large sao tree fell onto the road, damaging telecommunication lines and a shop sign. In Vo Van Kiet park, several trees lost branches or were completely uprooted. Fortunately, the park was empty at the time, preventing any casualties.

Uprooted sao tree at the 19/4 roundabout, Phu Thuy ward. Photo: Viet Quoc

Uprooted sao tree at the 19/4 roundabout, Phu Thuy ward. Photo: Viet Quoc

At the same time, on Bao Loc Pass (National Highway 20), a nearly 10-meter-tall tree fell, blocking the road and hitting a five-seater car traveling from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City. While the driver was unhurt, the car's rear was severely damaged, causing traffic congestion for over 40 minutes while authorities cleared the scene.

Le Dinh Quyet, Head of Forecasting at the Southern Region Hydrometeorological Station, attributed the storms to the circulation of Typhoon Wipha in the East Sea, which intensified the southwest monsoon. Wind gusts reached level 9 at times.

Heavy rain and potential for tornadoes and strong winds are expected to continue across southern Vietnam until 22/7. Residents are advised to take precautions, particularly near large trees, billboards, and outdoor structures.

Reporting team