Lai Chau floods kill four, seven injured; four missing

Flash floods in Mường Than commune, Lai Châu province, Vietnam, have claimed four lives and injured seven people as of July 18. Authorities confirmed the discovery of three more bodies, identified as children aged 8 and 10, and a 32-year-old woman. Four individuals are still missing, including a 45-year-old woman, a 54-year-old woman, a 68-year-old woman, and an 11-year-old boy.

The torrential rains have devastated the region, completely sweeping away 13 houses and damaging many others. The disaster has left 4,668 residents in several villages isolated due to the floodwaters. Significant road disruptions are also reported, with National Highway 32 blocked by mud and debris for about 800 meters, and National Highway 279 experiencing a 50-meter-long inundation. An inter-village road has also been affected by a 300-meter landslide.

In response, local authorities have mobilized extensive resources, including police, military, and civil defense forces, totaling over 500 personnel. They are equipped with specialized vehicles and heavy machinery to conduct search and rescue operations and begin clearing debris. The Lai Châu Provincial People's Committee has declared a state of emergency for Mường Than commune, urging a full mobilization of the political system and adherence to the "four-at-home" principle for disaster response.