Torrential rains, floods kill 31 in northern region

At least 31 people have been confirmed dead after heavy rains and flash floods struck the northern region last weekend, according to initial reports from the Central Steering Committee for Flood and Storm Control.

Bac Kan province is worst hit, with 13 dead and 11 missing, while in nearby Cao Bang province three died and two are missing. The four other provinces of Ha Giang, Lai Chau, Lao Cai and Son La have one death each and a similar number missing.

Floods, caused by heavy rains, washed away crops and hundreds of houses and damaged many roads, resulting in traffic jams.

A landslide caused by long torrential rains on July 3 destroyed nine houses in poor Pac Nam district in Bac Kan province, where 24 people were staying. Rescue workers are racing against time to search for the victims under the rubble, access isolated communes and clear land and soil to ensure traffic returns to normal.

In Ha Giang province, rescue workers found a dead body washed away by the violent floods on July 5. As floodwaters are receding in the lowland districts, local administrations have mobilised volunteer youth and militiamen to help people rebuild their damaged houses. Doctors have been dispatched to instruct local people to keep the water source safe and clean.

Rescue forces in Lai Chau province have been also mobilised to clear land and soil piled up by landslides on roads to communes and villages in Muong Te, Phong Tho, Than Uyen and Tam Duong districts. Local administrations have asked their officials to work around the clock to ensure smooth communications and safely for their residents.

Vu Van Luat, an official from the provincial committee for flood and storm prevention and control, says that police force, soldiers and border guards have been deployed to move people in flooded areas to a higher ground.

Total crop and property damage was estimated at tens of billions of Vietnamese Dong.
In Son La province, torrential rains over the past two days have damaged several roads and bridges and submerged subsidiary crops. Floods inundated Chieng Te bridge in It Ong commune, causing traffic congestion, while washing away two suspended bridges in Pia village.

As floodwaters are rising in the rivers and streams, provincial authorities have warned local people not to go out fishing or gathering twigs and other things floating the surface of the water.