Fierce winds uprooted around 1,000 trees in Hanoi on Saturday afternoon, killing two passers-by and injuring five others.
The winds, coupled with rain and lighting, struck the capital city out of the blues at 5 pm and lasted for around 30 minutes.
Dao Thi Oanh, 21, and Duong Quang Tho, 61, died after being crushed by falling trees while driving their motorbikes on Minh Khai and Nguyen Du streets in Hai Ba Trung District.
Five others were injured by fallen trees, billboards and corrugated iron roofs while many left their bikes on the streets and sought shelter.
At least 1,000 trees were uprooted, 139 houses unroofed, 21 utility poles damaged and 13 cars smashed, authorities said at a meeting on Sunday morning.
Authorities and locals are still cleaning up the uprooted trees and debris.
Hoang Tuan, who successfully escaped a fallen billboard upon driving his motorbike, told news website VnExpress: “I have never witnessed such a sudden and horrendous wind before.”
In Ho Chi Minh City, a heavy rain on Saturday afternoon inundated many streets, including Nguyen Huu Canh Street in Binh Thanh District and Thao Dien in District 2.
A taxi stuck among fallen trees. Photo: Ngoc Thang
Trees uprooted on Nguyen Du Street. Photo: Ngoc Thang
Two utility poles broke during the winds. Photo: Ngoc Thang
A car badly damaged by the fallen trees. Photo: Ngoc Thang
Fallen trees hold up traffic after the winds. Photo: Ngoc Thang
The fierce winds pushed a guard room of a state-owned agency off its foundation. Photo credit: VnExpress