Recent heavy rain, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and lighting in 10 northern provinces have caused an estimated economic loss of VND83.5 billion (over US$3.6 million).

Natural disasters cause great losses in Phu Tho (Photo: VNA)

The affected provinces are Ha Giang, Lao Cai, Cao Bang, Son La, Yen Bai, Thai Nguyen, Bac Kan, Hoa Binh, Phu Tho and Nghe An, according to the Standing Office of the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control.

The natural disasters claimed one life in Phu Tho, and injured 16 others.

They caused the collapse of 44 homes; blew away the roofs of 6,728 houses and 83 schools; destroyed 1,703 hectares of rice and other crops, 48 ha of fruit trees, and 932ha of industrial plants; and killed 3,650 heads of poultry.

The office has been requested to keep close watch on developments of natural disasters, promptly handle and take measures to help localities overcome the consequences, thus helping people stablise their production.