Heavy rains are expected to continue battering the northern region this
week, raising fears of further flash floods and landslides.
The National Hydro-meteorological Forecast Centre said rain had
already caused landslides and flooding in the mountainous provinces of
Dien Bien, Ha Giang and Lao Cai, damaging property and blocking traffic
for hours.
Rainfall ranged between 60-130mm (about three to six inches).
Tens of thousands of cubic metres of earth and rock crashed down on
National Highway 279 in Na Nhan commune, the northern mountainous
province of Dien Bien on August 23.
Over the
weekend, local authorities mobilised equipment and staff to clear the
road. A temporary 200m bypass was opened on August 25.
In Ha Giang province, a 28-year-old man from Tung Vai commune, Quan Ba
district, was killed after being struck by lightning on August 25
morning. His wife, who was injured in the freak accident, was rushed to
hospital for treatment.
Heavy rains also triggered landslides in Xin Cai commune, burying two houses and damaging property in Xa Nhe Lu hamlet.
Chairman of the Quan Ba People’s Committee Nguyen Hong Hai said local
authorities have evacuated householders from landslide-prone areas.
The two households hit by the landslide were also given 13 million VND (619 USD) each to help them recover.-VNA