The Central Meteorological and Hydrological Forecast Center reported on October 11 that heavy rain is expected in the Northern region and Thanh Hoa province due to the combined effects of the northern edge of the tropical convergence zone and the intensified cold air, with rainfall amounts ranging from 40 to 80 mm.
Over the past two days, Hanoi has experienced heavy and very heavy rainfall. Thunderstorms may bring the possibility of whirlwinds, lightning, hail, and strong winds. There is a high risk of flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas and localized flooding in low-lying and riverside regions.
In the city center, many trees have fallen, damaging residents’ property. According to our observations, around 11 AM today, an over-a-century-old banyan tree unexpectedly uprooted, crashing from the Vietnam-Soviet Friendship Cultural Palace onto the Thang Long Club (Hoan Kiem District).
A newly constructed restroom was severely damaged after being crushed by the fallen tree. Many branches hit the roof, creating loud noises. Two cars parked in the area also suffered significant damage, one with a dented rear, while the other had broken windows.
Fallen tree from the Vietnam-Soviet Friendship Cultural Palace onto Thang Long Club on October 11
Tree crushes restroom and two cars in the area
Severely damaged newly constructed restroom
Numerous branches damaging the club’s premises
“There was a loud noise, and when I ran out, I saw the tree had fallen onto the restroom and courtyard. Luckily, the club was not in operation at the time, so there were no visitors. Otherwise, we couldn’t have predicted the full extent of the damage,” recounted a security guard.
After reporting to local authorities, the tree management company arrived to assess the damage and cut branches to remove the two cars from the area. Residents noted that the tree had been leaning towards the Thang Long Club for some time, and the heavy rainfall over the past few days, combined with the tree’s weight, caused it to uproot.
Tree also fell onto the roof of the main building of the club
The trunk crushed the notice board in the club’s courtyard
Even after trimming, branches still litter the courtyard
Large roots of the century-old tree
Also during the heavy rain this morning, an ancient tamarind tree was uprooted, falling onto a Camry parked on Ngo Quyen Street, Hoan Kiem District, in front of the State Bank Square. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported. At the scene, the trunk of the ancient tree crushed the rear and side of the car.
The leadership of Traffic Police Team No. 1 in Hanoi dispatched a team of four officers to the scene to manage traffic. The cause of the incident is still under investigation.
The trunk of the ancient tree crushed the rear and side of the car. (Photo: FB)
Previously, around 12:40 PM yesterday, an ancient banyan tree suddenly fell across Hang Luoc Street, Hang Ma Ward, Hoan Kiem District, causing traffic congestion in the area.
When it fell, the banyan tree, with a diameter of nearly 50 cm, uprooted and blocked the road. At that time, the street was sparse with people, and the food outlets were mostly providing takeout, so there was no large crowd.
Upon receiving the report, the Hoan Kiem District Police organized to guide and redirect traffic from Hang Cot Street to Hang Ga, Hang Dieu towards the Hoan Kiem Lake center. They also contacted relevant authorities to cut the tree into segments to clear the road.
Large tree blocking Hang Luoc Street. (Photo: FB)
In light of the ongoing flooding caused by the effects of the tropical depression, the Northeast monsoon, and the incoming Typhoon Kompasu approaching the East Sea, the risk of dangerous natural disasters (overlapping storms and floods) amidst the complicated Covid-19 pandemic situation is significant. The General Department of Disaster Prevention and Control (PCTT) has urged localities to closely monitor the developments of natural disasters and weather events. The steering committee and various ministries, sectors, and localities are to develop response scenarios for storms and flooding in the next ten days.
The National Center for Meteorological and Hydrological Forecasting has provided early warnings about floods following Typhoon No. 7 and Typhoon Kompasu; it has identified high-risk areas at sea to guide vessels. Localities are preparing essential food and supplies in case of isolation; they are to review and ensure safety measures for dikes, reservoirs, and mineral extraction areas.
They are also to enhance information and communication efforts to ensure that all levels of government and the public are aware and can proactively respond to storms and the Covid-19 situation. Rescue teams must be maintained and ready to respond and manage when required. Enhanced forces are to be organized to monitor disasters 24/7 and report regularly when situations arise.
