At noon on July 20, Ho Chi Minh City suddenly had thunderstorms with strong gusts of wind, many trees were uprooted and broken, causing traffic obstruction and affecting people's lives.
In Vinh Loc commune (old Binh Chanh district), reporters recorded a series of trees on Rach Cau Suoi road, near Lai Hung Cuong road, being knocked down by the wind, lying across the path, making it difficult for vehicles to move.
The authorities quickly coordinated with the people to clean up the scene. However, due to the large number of fallen trees, the repair is being implemented step by step.
Not only Vinh Loc, on Nguyen Van Linh Street (Tan My Ward), a nearly 10 m high tree was uprooted and blocked the road. Fortunately, the uprooted trees did not cause any human casualties.
Mr. Le Minh Tam (residing in Nhieu Loc ward) said that this afternoon, there was a sudden thunderstorm with strong winds, the trees on the side of the road tilted and uprooted, blocking the road.
"The wind was very strong but luckily at that time I was able to run into the people's house to take shelter," said Mr. Tam.
Ms. Vo Thi Lan - a pedestrian - said that a tree on the sidewalk tilted and fell down, causing her to panic.
"This area has many large trees, people move a lot. After the strong wind and rain like this afternoon, I hope the area will check and handle it promptly to avoid unwanted situations," Ms. Lan shared.
According to the Southern Hydrometeorological Station, the weather in Ho Chi Minh City on July 20 is strongly affected by the strong southwest monsoon. This caused widespread heavy rain, accompanied by strong gusts of wind, especially in the morning and early afternoon.
The intensity of strong winds combined with soft soil due to prolonged heavy rain in recent days is the main cause of many trees not being able to withstand, leading to uproots or broken branches. Heavy rain is forecast to continue this evening in some places, however, the wind intensity may gradually decrease.
The authorities recommend that people should be on guard against the risk of fallen trees, localized flooding and should limit travel on roads with many trees during heavy rain and strong winds.
