At around 6 PM on May 2, a sudden hailstorm accompanied by a tornado struck the residents of Tan Phuoc commune and part of Dong Tien commune, Dong Phu district, leaving them unprepared.
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| Hundreds of rubber trees were uprooted by the tornado. (Photo: Dao Tat Thanh/TTXVN) |
In just three hours, the tornado caused significant destruction to the property of local residents, particularly in areas directly in the path of the storm like hamlet 6 in Dong Tien commune and Xac Xi hamlet in Tan Phuoc commune.
The initial damage estimate covers over 300 hectares of rubber, cashew, fruit trees, and other crops, amounting to approximately 30 billion VND; notably, Xac Xi hamlet suffered the most with around 250 hectares affected. In addition to crop losses, five houses located in the heart of the storm experienced roof damage and wall collapses, with some families left with only the foundations remaining.
Mr. Vo Van Tan, a resident of Xac Xi hamlet in Tan Phuoc commune, tearfully recounted: The hailstorm along with the tornado devastated over 10 hectares of cashew, rubber, star fruit, and durian on my property. The most heartbreaking loss was over 1,000 three-year-old star fruit trees that were completely uprooted. Additionally, 150 durian trees nearing harvest were uprooted, causing them to drop their fruit. The total damage to my family is currently estimated at over 1 billion VND.
According to the initial statistics from the Provincial Flood and Storm Control and Search and Rescue Command in Binh Phuoc, within less than a month, hailstorms and tornadoes have caused more than 100 houses to collapse or lose roofs; nearly 2,000 hectares of crops (mainly industrial crops like rubber and pepper) have been destroyed, primarily in the districts of Bu Gia Map, Dong Phu, and Bu Dang.
The estimated damage caused by tornadoes and hailstorms in the province so far is around 180 billion VND – eight times the damage reported from tornadoes in 2010, which was 25 billion VND.
Currently, the local government of Dong Phu district is coordinating with the Provincial Flood and Storm Control and Search and Rescue Command to quickly assess the damages to implement timely recovery measures and support for the affected residents. Additionally, relevant authorities in Binh Phuoc province have advised residents to proactively prepare against hailstorms and tornadoes by building protective structures for their homes and livestock; securing or tying down young rubber and cashew trees that are vulnerable to breakage.
