Thunderstorm topples dozens of trees, damages two cars

A severe storm lasting about 30 minutes uprooted dozens of trees in Cao Lanh ward, Dong Thap province, damaging two cars, multiple structures, and unroofing six houses. The event occurred during the local Lotus Festival, causing damage to festival displays.

At approximately 15:30, heavy rain and strong winds swept through central Cao Lanh ward and the Van Mieu Park area. This intense weather caused many trees to snap branches and become uprooted.

Uprooted tree crushes car on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street. Photo: Hong Ngu

The storm caused significant damage, particularly to vehicles. On Dang Van Binh Street, a mahogany tree nearly 10 meters tall fell, crushing a parked car. Anh Thuy, the car's owner, stated his family of four had just exited the vehicle to visit the Lotus Festival when the storm arrived. "Thunder and lightning were continuous, followed by strong winds and heavy rain that lasted about 30 minutes," he recounted. Another car parked on Tran Thi Nhung Street was also struck by a fallen tree; fortunately, no one was inside.

Beyond vehicles, numerous trees toppled onto offices and coffee shops along Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Nguyen Thai Hoc, and Ly Thuong Kiet streets.

An uprooted tree crushes a residential house. Photo: Hong Ngu

The People's Committee of Cao Lanh ward reported that the storm unroofed six houses, but thankfully, no casualties occurred. The inclement weather struck while the locality was hosting its Lotus Festival, resulting in damage to various decorative displays, exhibition tents, and vendor stalls selling lotus products.

In response to the widespread damage, traffic police, local authorities, and Infantry Regiment 320 were mobilized to clear fallen trees and aid residents in recovering from the aftermath. By that evening, the festival grounds were largely cleared.