VietNamNet Bridge - While snow has not completely melted, Lao Cai province continues to suffer from spells of hoarfrost, causing severe damage to the region, estimated at VND35 billion ($1.7 million).

A snow-covered vegetable field in Lao Cai. Photo: Lao Cai Newspaper

For the first time in 30 years, Lao Cai faced strong snowfalls last week with the depth of 50cm in many places. After that, the province is now suffering from hoarfrost, which is caused by the effects of thermal radiation on cold days.

The temperatures in Lao Cai in recent days are always at 0 degrees or lower. The temperatures are increasing slightly but it remains severely cold.

On the night of December 22, after a day of snow falling, hoarfrost came down the mountainous districts of Bac Ha, Bat Xat and Sapa.

The "attacks" of snow and hoarfrost not only caused damage for agriculture and livestock but also affect the people's lives. Local people are cleaning ice off the roofs and trying to save their remaining crops and cattle.

According to the Lao Cai Newspaper, by December 21, 207 cattle died of cold, and over 800 hectares of vegetables in the two districts of Sapa and Bat Xat were damaged. The total damage is estimated at more than VND35 billion.

It is forecasted that hoarfrost will keep falling for two days. From December 26, the temperature will begin increasing, putting an end to hoarfrost.

Thu Ly