Hailstones hit northern Vietnam
VOV.VN - Hailstones struck the northern mountainous province of Lai Chau on January 17 morning, according to the National Centre for Hydro - Meteorological Forecasting.
Several hectares of vegetable and rice crops in Muong Te district were reportedly damaged by hailstones accompanied by heavy rain and thunderstorms.
The hailstones lasted for around 20 minutes but caused no casualties, reported the National Centre for Hydro - Meteorological Forecasting.
Meanwhile, subsequent heavy rain also triggered serious landslides on National Highway 152 in Sa Pa town, a major tourist destination in northern Vietnam. Around three to four cubic metres of soil and rock fell on the road to block traffic.
Competent agencies were immediately deployed to cordon off the affected area and regulate traffic flow.
Weather experts say the ongoing cold spell will continue to bring rain to the northern provinces of Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Lao Cai, and Ha Giang in the coming days.