Do Hoang Gioi, chairman of the Nguyen Phich Commune People’s Committee, told VietNamNet on the evening of Sept. 28 that local authorities were working urgently to help residents deal with the aftermath of the tornado.

Preliminary figures showed that 11 homes were damaged, including seven in Hamlet 2 and four in Hamlet 4. Several sustained serious damage, while authorities were still assessing the full extent of the losses.

Local forces were mobilized immediately after the tornado to help residents move their belongings, arrange temporary accommodation and clean up the damage.

Residents said the tornado appeared suddenly in Hamlet 2 shortly after 5 p.m., following heavy rain accompanied by thunder and lightning.

For more than 10 minutes, powerful winds swept through the area, causing several houses to collapse or lose their roofs. Sheets of metal roofing and belongings inside the homes were blown away. The tornado developed so quickly that residents had little time to react.

After sweeping through Hamlet 2, the tornado moved into Hamlet 4, where it damaged more homes.

Some residents said they had never witnessed a tornado of such intensity in the area.

Authorities in Nguyen Phich Commune are continuing to inspect affected areas, assess the damage and assist households in stabilizing their lives.

Ky Long