Authorities in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai have mobilised local forces to help people overcome the consequences of whirlwinds and hailstorms that occurred on late April 5.

They have outlined support plans for the local people, according to the standing board of the provincial Steering Committee on Disaster Prevention, Search and Rescue.

Initial statistics show that nearly 100 houses along with public buildings and crops were damaged by natural disasters in the province.

Bat Xat district was the hardest hit, with 35 houses and hundreds of hectares of crops damaged.

Over the past few days, whirlwinds and hailstorms have also ravaged other northern provinces such as Ha Giang, Dien Bien and Cao Bang.-VNA