Heavy rains, floods and landslides leave seven dead in northern Vietnam
Heavy rains that started falling over Vietnam's northern, mountainous regions on July 7, 2017 caused severe flooding that caused deaths of at least 7 persons and left 1 missing, according to the latest report from the country's Office of the Central Committee for Disaster Prevention.
In Thái Nguyên Province, a family with two children aged four and eight was washed away while driving a car across a bridge in Linh Thông Commune.
The body of a 17-year-old boy was found yesterday after he was washed away by the rising water the previous day when swimming across the Nậm Rốm River in Thanh Chấn Commune, Điện Biên Province, the Vietnam News reports.
Meanwhile in Hà Giang Province, rescuers yesterday found the bodies of two youngsters aged 13 and seven buried in a landslide hours earlier. They were residents of Zone 5 in Vinh Quang Township, Hoàng Su Phì District. A resident of Quang Bình District was also washed away by the flood and remains missing.
A landslide in Bắc Quang District damaged at least 70 houses across Quang Bình, Xín Mần and Hoàng Su Phì districts, injuring at least one person.
According to authorities, more than 1 375 m3 (48 500 ft3) of soil and rocks fell during the rain, blocking 26 roads connecting villages and communes in the province.
72 hours of rainfall accumulation ending 09:00 UTC on July 10, 2017. Credit: NASA/JAXA GPM
In the neighboring Lào Cai Province, landslides affected three houses in Mường Khương and Bắc Hà Districts, while at least 17 000 m3 (600 000 ft3) of soil fell over 23 roads. Traffic resumed yesterday, the disaster prevention committee reported.
The rains also affected nearly 100 hectares (247 acres) of paddy and vegetable fields across the three provinces, while hundreds of pigs and poultry were washed away.
The national meteorological center warned that heavy rain is expected until Tuesday, July 11, with the average rainfall between 70 and 120 mm (2.7 – 4.7 inches), and up to 200 mm (7.8 inches) in some areas.
Featured image: Rescue teams are looking for missing people after the downpour that started July 7 caused severe flooding in Thái Nguyên Province, washing away a family with two children aged four and eight. Credit: VNA/VNS, Thu Hằng
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:
We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.