Power outage, thousands of people in Hanoi 'hide' in shopping malls to escape the heat

Thanh Tam's family apartment building in Vinh Hung ward (Hoang Mai district) had its power cut off since 11am on June 3. The couple had to take their child to have lunch and avoid the heat at a shopping mall in Long Bien district, waiting until the power was restored before returning.

A shopping mall in Long Bien district ( Hanoi ) was packed with people at noon on June 3. Most of the customers were families and groups of young people who came to eat, shop and escape the heat.

12:30, the 3rd floor of the shopping mall is very crowded. Customers are coming and going from food and drink stalls.

Many people grimaced and got impatient but still had to wait because there was no other way.

Some diners bring their own knives and forks to prepare salad vegetables right at the table.

At 1 p.m., the resting area is full. Families take advantage of the opportunity to let their children take a nap in strollers.

Parents also take a nap inside the cool shopping mall.

Due to harsh weather, going to large shopping malls has become a last resort for people in the capital these days.

Some people bring noise-canceling headphones and conveniently work in air-conditioned spaces.

Thanh Tam's family apartment building in Vinh Hung ward (Linh Nam) had its electricity cut off since 11am on June 3. She and her husband had to bring their children here to have lunch and avoid the heat, waiting until the electricity was restored before returning.

Sharing the same situation of power outage, Mr. Hieu (Vinh Hung ward) also drove all the way to Long Bien to avoid the heat. “It was so hot that every house used too much electricity, causing overload. The power cut in my area started at 9am without any prior notice,” Mr. Hieu said.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thao (left) and her family returned from a long trip. After getting off the bus, the whole family went to the shopping center to have lunch and rest, then waited until it was cool before heading home.