PM urges active flood response in Mekong Delta and northern region

Local forces in An Phu district, in the Mekong Delta province of An Giang, join local farmers to salvage rice inundated by flood waters. (Photo: NDO/Van Anh)

Accordingly, in order to limit damage to people and property, the PM has requested that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment directs the General Department of Meteorology and Hydrology to closely monitor the weather situation, while coordinating with international organisations, regional countries and the relevant agencies to closely monitor the flood situation in the Mekong Delta in order to provide prompt information towards executing an effective response.

The Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control was urged to instruct the agencies and local authorities concerned to implement disaster response measures.

Provinces and cities in the Mekong Delta were asked to take measures to prevent floods, protect dikes and key embankments, and help local farmers to harvest early summer-autumn rice crops, especially in low-lying areas, to limit the damage caused by the floods.

Rescue forces help local people in Hoa Binh City (Hoa Binh province) move property to safe place. (Photo: NDO/Duy Anh)

The mountainous localities in the northern and north central regions continue to strictly implement measures to cope with flash floods and landslides, while strengthening the management over the safety of dams and reservoirs.

The ministries concerned are also required to remain alert and to prepare their forces and means to support the local prevention and combat against floods.

According to the National Centre for Meteorological and Hydrological Forecasting, from September 1, heavy rains on a large scale ended in the North. However, in the next two to three days, there may be scattered thunderstorms in the northern mountains areas, with occasional heavy rains.

Landslides, flash floods and lowland floods are forecast to occur in the mountains of the North and North Central, especially in the provinces of Hoa Binh, Phu Tho, Yen Bai, Lao Cai, Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La, Ha Giang, Bac Kan, Thanh Hoa and Nghe An.

A suspended bridge swept away by floodwaters in Son La province. (Photo: NDO)

Torrential rains in recent days have caused serious floods and landslides in several northwestern mountainous localities, causing heavy losses in both human life and properties.

In Son La province, floods killed one local and injured two others, while affecting 1,521 houses, including completely destroying 37 homes. Nearly 615 ha of rice and crop farm have been submerged in floodwater, while 11 schools in Mai Son, Van Ho, Muong La, Quynh Nhai, Song Ma and Sop Cop districts were damaged.

Local forces help Lao Cai people stabilise their lives after flood. (Photo: NDO)

Meanwhile in Lao Cai province, downpours broke many roads and irrigation works, along with a bridge in Nam Tha commune, Van Ban district. 18 houses in the province were damaged, while 140 ha of rice and dozens of hectares of crops were submerged.

Dien Bien province also suffered from heavy losses, with 52 houses, three class rooms, nine irrigation works, four water works, and over 60 ha of rice damaged.

Serious floods in various localities across Yen Bai also destroyed 186 houses and 581 ha of farms, with the total losses amounting to VND22 billion.

Landslide threatens local houses in Quan Hoa district, Thanh Hoa province. (Photo: NDO/Mai Luan)

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