16 reported dead and missing as flash floods hit northern localities of Vietnam

Since July 24, Dien Bien has been faced with a deluge of heavy rains and thunderstorms, causing flash floods in some areas. At least two local residents have died, whilst five others remain missing.

According to Ngo Xuan Chinh, deputy head of the provincial administration, heavy downpours and flooding caused damages to Tin Toc, Ban Linh, Muong Pon 1, and Muong Pon 2 villages, with more than 10 houses completely collapsing during the height of the weather pattern.

In addition, National Highway 12 which passes through Muong Pon commune was left completely paralysed, while more than 40 hectares of cultivated land were buried by rock and soil.

Local authorities mobilised rescue forces to search for the victims and help people to overcome the consequences of the extreme weather and stabilise their lives.

Meanwhile, several serious landslides caused by prolonged heavy rain in Son La province killed three people, injured another, and left five others missing as of July 24.

Floods also forced 28 households in the province to be urgently relocated with more than 200 houses left submerged.

Furthermore, roughly 270 hectares of rice paddies were flooded and nearly 3,500 fowls and cattle heads were either swept away or drowned.

Along with deadly landslides, the prolonged heavy rain has caused water levels in local rivers and streams to rise rapidly, threatening to flood many streets and residential areas.

A representative of the Son La provincial administration said that many local roads were left deeply submerged, blocking traffic.

Rescue forces were immediately dispatched to provide support to people suffering from the impact of the serious flooding and to move them out of danger areas.