VietNamNet Bridge - Tropical storm Haima, which landed in northern and central Vietnam on June 24-25, killed at least 16 people, leaving 4 others missing, and hundreds injured.

Notably, of the 16 deaths, up to 12 were struck by lightning. Of the four missing people, there are three in the northern mountainous province of Yen Bai and one in the central province of Nghe An.

The storm, which ended on June 26, also destroyed and damaged around 1,000 houses in Hai Phong, Nghe An and Nam Dinh provinces. In addition, over 16,000 hectares of crops were flooded.

Hai Phong suffered the greatest loss of life and property. The local authorities have offered VND10 million (US$485) to every family with a member killed, and VND1-3 million to every person injured. The city also gave every family whose house collapsed also VND10 million and every family whose rooftop was blown off VND5 million.

After landing, Haima weakened into a depression and moved west to northern Laos and disappeared away there, according to the National Hydrometeorological Forecasting Center reported.

Due to the impact of the storm, heavy rains occurred in a large area from Thanh Hoa to Nghe An on June 25-26. The rainfall reached over 200mm in some places. Heavy rains have swollen rivers, causing floods in many provinces.

Flashflooding and landslides occurred in some mountain districts in Nghe An province.

The National Steering Board for Flood and Strom Prevention and Control requested the authorities of Thanh Hoa, Nghe An and Ha Tinh provinces and relevant units under the ministries of Public Security, Transport and Defense to take measures to cope with floods, protect damps and dykes, and safeguard lives and property.

PV