Residents said they had not witnessed such a severe storm in many years. Families were forced to wake abruptly, rushing to move belongings to safety and seek shelter as the hail continued to fall.

The storm also dealt a heavy blow to agriculture. Extensive plum orchards, currently approaching harvest season, suffered significant damage under the relentless hail.

Notably, hailstorms are relatively rare in Bac Ha, particularly at such a late hour. In previous instances, similar weather phenomena typically occurred in the late afternoon or early evening.

Preliminary reports from local authorities indicate that several houses collapsed due to the storm, and at least four people were injured.

Early this morning, local leaders visited the injured, who are receiving treatment at the Bac Ha Regional Medical Center, offering support and encouragement.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the severe weather was caused by cold air compressing a low-pressure trough, combined with upper-level wind convergence. This system has brought widespread rain to northern Vietnam - excluding Lai Chau and Dien Bien - as well as Thanh Hoa, with some areas recording rainfall exceeding 100mm, accompanied by thunderstorms.

From April 17, temperatures across the region are expected to drop, bringing cooler conditions.

Duc Hoang