Officials from Muong Nhe Commune offer condolences to the family on July 22.
Officials from Muong Nhe Commune offer condolences to the family on July 22.
Two children were killed and their mother injured after lightning struck during a thunderstorm in Dien Bien Province, local authorities said.

Two children died and their mother was injured after being struck by lightning during a thunderstorm in Muong Nhe Commune, Dien Bien Province, on the evening of July 22.

According to the Dien Bien Department of Agriculture and Environment, the incident occurred at about 6 pm as thunderstorms swept through the area.

The victims were identified as Giang Thi Bia, born in 1990, and her two daughters, Vu Thi Nhi, born in 2015, and Vu Thi Le, born in 2021. The three were returning home from working in the fields when lightning struck them about 100 metres from their house in Xi Ma Village.

Bia sustained injuries, while both children died at the scene.

Following the incident, officials from Muong Nhe Commune visited the family, offered condolences and provided assistance with funeral arrangements in accordance with local customs.

Local authorities also urged residents to closely monitor weather forecasts and take precautions during periods of severe weather to reduce the risk of storm-related accidents.

According to the Dien Bien Provincial Hydrometeorological Centre, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected across the province through July 23 as a low-pressure trough and weak upper-level wind convergence continue to affect the region. Rainfall is forecast to range from 10mm to 30mm, with some areas likely to receive more than 50mm.

Forecasters warned that thunderstorms could bring whirlwinds, lightning, hail and strong gusts of wind.

Wet weather is expected to continue from the night of July 23 into July 24, with further scattered showers and thunderstorms. Rainfall is forecast at 10mm to 30mm, with isolated locations receiving more than 50mm.

Source: Dtinews/TTX