Flash floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains have killed at least 12 people in northern Vietnam according to reports by Vietnam’s Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control (CCNDPC).
Rain has been falling over the last few days in Vietnam’s northern mountainous provinces. The rain was particularly heavy from 02 to 03 August, where several locations recorded more than 100 mm in 24 hours.
Flash flooding occurred in Mu Chang Chai district in Yen Bai Province and Muong La district, Son La Province. Landslides have also been reported in these areas, as well as in Nam-Ho Dien Bien district in Lai Chau Province.
Son La Province
According to a CCNDPC report of 04 August, flash floods and landslides in Muong La district of Son La Province have killed 10 people, with 6 others missing and 4 injured.
The floods occurred after the Da River (Black River) and smaller streams in the district overflowed.
The total number of houses damaged was 258 houses, of which 179 houses were swept away or completely destroyed.
Roads in the district have been blocked, isolating several communities. A 3 km long stretch of a provincial road was washed away.
More than 2,500 people, including military and police teams, have been mobilised for search and rescue operations in the affected areas.
Yen Bai Province
CCNDPC reported on 03 August that 2 people had died in Mu Chang Chai district in Yen Bai, and a further 12 people were missing and 9 injured.
Flash floods washed away 29 houses and 25 were damaged or destroyed by landslides.
Lai Chau Province
CCNDPC say that at least person was killed, 3 injured and 2 are missing after landslides in Lai Chau Province.
Rainfall
Vietnam’s northern mountainous provinces have seen heavy rain since 01 August. Figures below from reports by CCNDPC for 24 hour rainfall totals, 02 to 03 August 2017.
Lai Chau Province
- Muong Te – 135mm
- Nam Bum – 121mm
Son La Province
- Ta Bom 172mm
- Muong La – 118 mm
- Xie Yang – 159 mm
Yen Bai Province
- Mu Cang Chai 78mm
- Khau Phia – 145 mm
- Ban An – 83 mm
Flood Summary
Locations
B - Son La
C - Lai Chau
D - Dien Bien
E - Cao Bang
Magnitude
Muong Te, Lai Chau - August 2 to August 3, 2017
Nam Bum, Lai Chau - August 2 to August 3, 2017
Ta Bom, Son La Province - August 2 to August 3, 2017
Muong La , Son La Province - August 2 to August 3, 2017
Xie Yang, Son La Province - August 2 to August 3, 2017
Mu Cang Chai, Yen Bai Province - August 2 to August 3, 2017
Khau Phia, Yen Bai Province - August 2 to August 3, 2017
Ban An, Yen Bai Province - August 2 to August 3, 2017
Damages
August 2 to August 7, 2017
Yen Bai: 6, Son La: 12, Lai Chau: 2, Dien Bien 5; Cao Bang: 1
August 2 to August 7, 2017
Yen Bai: 54, Son La: 177
August 2 to August 7, 2017
Yen Bai: 9, Son La: 5, Lai Chau: 1
