Search Dogs Battle Rain and Terrain to Find Flood Victims in Northern Vietnam

Amidst heavy rain and debris in Bản Chít village, Mường Than, Lai Châu province, two specialized search and rescue dogs are diligently working to locate four individuals missing since a flash flood on July 17. Hundreds of rescue personnel, including police and military forces, continue their efforts despite the challenging conditions.

The canine units, accompanied by their handlers and a veterinarian, arrived at the scene and immediately began their search. The dogs successfully detected scent sources in two locations, prompting authorities to mark these spots for further investigation. Rescue teams are now excavating these areas, using both heavy machinery and manual labor, in hopes of finding the missing victims.

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Even though the rain is heavy, we will continue to cordon off the area with determination to find the missing victims.

However, the ongoing heavy rainfall is significantly impacting the dogs' ability to detect scents, as the rain washes away the traces. The terrain itself presents further obstacles, with thick mud and numerous rocks making movement difficult for both the dogs and the rescue teams. Despite these challenges, the search and rescue team leader expressed determination to continue the operation until the missing persons are found. One of the dogs, Ja Vo, is noted as a highly experienced member of the team, having participated in previous rescue missions internationally and domestically.

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On a non-rainy day, the scent can stay in one place, but when it rains, the scent is washed away and is not as concentrated as usual, making it very difficult for the dogs to find.