Around 4:15 p.m., thunderstorm clouds rapidly developed over Ba Vi commune, subsequently forming a swirling wind that swept through the hamlets of Ba Lang, Nuoc Lay, and Ta Noat. The tornado lasted about 30 minutes, catching residents off guard during their daily activities.

A H'Re family looks out at corrugated iron sheets blown away by the tornado. *Photo: Thanh Minh*

The strong winds unroofed many stilt houses, tiled houses, and corrugated iron-roofed homes; tiles and corrugated iron sheets flew off, toppling furniture inside. After the tornado, heavy rain continued for about one hour, leaving many homes in disarray amidst floodwaters.

According to the Ba Vi Commune People's Committee, 116 homes were unroofed and damaged. Specifically, 76 homes in Ba Lang hamlet had 30-50% of their roofs damaged; 29 homes in Nuoc Lay hamlet had 30-50% of their roofs damaged, and three homes were completely destroyed; 8 homes in Ta Noat hamlet were affected. Several rural roads were blocked by fallen trees, and downed power poles caused localized power outages.

A newly built house also had its corrugated iron and tiles blown away. *Photo: Thanh Minh*

Thanh Minh Thuan, Chairman of the Ba Vi Commune People's Committee, stated that local authorities mobilized police, military personnel, and militia to help residents re-roof homes, clear fallen trees, and coordinate with the electricity sector to repair damages. By the evening of the same day, the situation was largely stable. However, authorities are concerned that heavy rain could increase the risk of landslides in hilly areas with unstable soil.

The commune has requested higher-level support for home repair funds, essential goods, and building materials for severely affected households, especially poor, near-poor, and policy beneficiary families. Additionally, it sought assistance with plant seeds and supplies to restore agricultural production and repair electrical and transportation infrastructure.

Ba Vi is a challenging mountainous commune, formerly part of Ba To district, with most of its population being H'Re ethnic minority people.

Pham Linh