18 killed in Lao Cai horrific flashfloods, 77 remain missing
VOV.VN - Flash floods accompanied by rock and soil hit a commune of northern Lao Cai province, burying an entire village with 35 households and 158 people, with 18 found dead and 77 reported missing.
![18 killed in lao cai horrific flashfloods, 77 remain missing picture 1 18 killed in lao cai horrific flashfloods, 77 remain missing picture 1](https://media.vov.vn/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-09/flash%20floods%20in%20Lao%20Cai.jpg)
The tragedy occurred at around 10:00 a.m. in Lang Nu village of Phuc Khanh commune, Bao Yen district, said local authorities.
Four hours later, rescue teams reached the scene, rescuing 17 and retrieving the bodies of 17 victims. 44 managed to escape the tragedy. As many as 77 people were still missing.
The survivors suffering from multiple injuries were taken to Bao Yen Hospital for treatment.
Local residents said the village has never experienced natural disasters before, so the flashfloods came as a complete surprise to everyone.
According to local authorities, the affected area is remote and isolated, with disrupted transportation and a complete loss of communication, making rescue efforts challenging.
Currently, local authorities are quickly mobilizing forces to reach the site and search for the missing people.
Lao Cai is one of the localities in northern Vietnam severely affected by the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi. Subsequent landslides have over the past two days killed dozens of people.