VietNamNet Bridge – Of the 18 people who sought shelter from the rain in the eucalyptus forest in Son Hoa district of Phu Yen province, nine were struck by lightning. The tornado also pulled one up from the ground.

Clothes of the victims at the scene. Photo: Tien Phong.

Two victims. Photo: Tien Phong.

Mr. Cao Minh Hoa, Son Hoa District People's Committee chairman said that at 3.45pm on July 9, at Kham village in Krong Pa commune, a tornado accompanied by heavy rains occurred. 18 people who were working in the fields ran into the nearby eucalyptus forest to seek shelter and they were struck by lightning.

Of the nine injured people, Ms. Nguyen Thi Nhung, 32, had ear bleeding, scorched clothes and had fainted on the spot. She was taken to the hospital of Son Hoa district. Since the injuries were critical, the victim was transferred to Phu Yen General Hospital. Currently, Nhung is still comatose and suffers from breathing problems. Others got milder wounds.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Canh, 59, one of nine victims, recalled: "At that time, the wind was very strong and it pulled Mrs. Nguyen Thi Quyen up from the ground while others had clothes scorched. I thought we could not survive."

Local people said that this area usually had tornadoes and thunder in heavy rains. Previously, some people were injured by lightning there.

Linh Nga