Around 3 PM, light rain and thunderstorms rolled through Huong Xuan commune, formerly part of the mountainous Huong Khe district. At his home in Vinh Ngoc village, Hai plugged his phone into a wall socket in his bedroom to charge it.

Family members reported that Hai then lay on his bed to read news and browse social media on his phone. At that moment, a lightning bolt struck the single-story house, hitting Hai as he held his phone. He collapsed on the bed and died.

According to Huong Xuan commune leaders, Hai's family faces financial hardship and his father passed away some time ago.

Relatives set up a funeral tent for Hai on the evening of 12/9. Photo: Hung Le

Relatives set up a funeral tent for Hai on the evening of 12/9. Photo: Hung Le

Over the past two days, Ha Tinh province experienced intense daytime heat followed by afternoon thunderstorms in the mountainous regions. Meteorological agencies warned residents to remain vigilant and take precautions against lightning strikes and strong winds.

Northern and central Vietnam often experience thunderstorms during the seasonal transitions from cold to hot (April-May) and from hot to cold (September-October).

According to the Ha Tinh Hydrometeorological Station, lightning strikes frequently occur in the hilly and plain areas of communes in the former districts of Huong Khe, Huong Son, and Vu Quang, due to the formation of convective clouds during periods of intense atmospheric movement.

Duc Hung