Whirlwind kills one in Hanoi

Strong winds hit the capital city of Hanoi on the afternoon of June 13, killing one and injuring three others.

(Photo: dantri.com.vn)
(Photo: dantri.com.vn)

The victim was killed at the Quang Trung-Nguyen Du intersection in central Hanoi when strong wind uprooted a big tree measuring 75cm in diameter. Meanwhile, a giant advertisement board was whirled across Tran Duy Hung Street, hitting two women on a motorbike and a taxi. The women and the taxi driver were hurt and were brought to hospital for treatment.

In addition, it was reported that at least 13 cars were damaged by fallen trees.

Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Quoc Hung said on June 14 that more than 1,000 trees across the city were uprooted during the storm, blocking traffic and damaging many power and telecom lines. Many areas experienced power cuts, including those in Ba Dinh, Tay Ho, Hoan Kiem, Long Bien and Thanh Xuan wards.

The winds were accompanied by heavy rains, measured at 34mm at Van Ho during the 45 minute storm, while 27.2 mm of rain was recorded in central Hoan Kiem ward, according to the Hanoi water drainage company.