Northern Vietnam floods cause extensive damage

Northern Vietnam is grappling with severe consequences from heavy rainfall over the past few days, which has triggered flash floods and landslides. These events have caused significant damage to both lives and property, particularly in the mountainous provinces.

Lai Châu province has borne the brunt of the disaster. According to the provincial People's Committee, as of 5 p.m. on July 18, the floods had claimed four lives and left four people missing. The victims, including children and adults, were from various communes within the province. An additional unidentified male body, estimated to be between 13 and 15 years old, was found downstream, though authorities believe he died before the flash flood occurred.

The destruction extends to housing, with 21 homes collapsing and 86 others damaged across several northern provinces, including Lai Châu, Sơn La, Lào Cai, and Điện Biên. Emergency evacuations were necessary for 152 homes, and 46 more were affected by flooding or landslides. Agricultural sectors also suffered, with over 550 hectares of rice and other crops damaged.

Transportation infrastructure has been severely impacted, with landslides blocking 48 points on national and provincial roads. Several key routes, including QL12, QL32, and QL279 in Lai Châu, and DT109 in Sơn La, remain impassable. Authorities are working to clear the debris and restore connectivity.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting predicts continued heavy rain through July 19, with potential for very heavy downpours exceeding 250 mm in some areas. Rainfall is expected to gradually decrease from the night of July 20. In response to the escalating situation, the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army has issued urgent directives to military units in affected provinces, urging them to support local authorities in assessing risks and implementing disaster response plans.