At around 5:30 p.m. on March 16, a heavy rain accompanied by strong gusts of wind occurred in Phuoc Cat town, Da Huoai district, Lam Dong province.
Just a few minutes later, when many people were taking shelter from the rain at Phuoc Cat market (residential group 5) they suddenly heard a loud noise.
When the wind was calm, people went outside and discovered two ancient banyan trees, about 15m high, tens of meters wide, that had been uprooted. One of the two trees fell on a truck parked on the side of the road.
Fortunately, at the time of the incident, the truck driver had entered a house to take shelter in the rain so he was not injured. The incident of the uprooted banyan tree caused local traffic congestion in the Phuoc Cat market area.
As soon as the news was received, the People's Committee of Phuoc Cat town mobilized police forces, militia, youth and people to the scene to carry out rescue operations.
The authorities used saws and machinery to trim branches and clear the scene. At 6:40 p.m. the same day, the truck was brought out safely. The truck's body was severely damaged. At this time, traffic through the area has also been quickly restored.
In addition to the two uprooted banyan trees, the storm also caused a number of other trees in Phuoc Cat town, Da Huoai district to fall, obstructing traffic.
By 7pm, all fallen trees had been cleared, ensuring normal travel.
