As of the June 23 night, the region had suffered heavy rains, flash floods and landslides that caused losses in human lives and property, especially in Lai Chau and Ha Giang provinces. Initial statistics show that the calamities have left at least eight people dead and five people missing. Multiple landslides have separated provinces in the Northwest, while many areas are flooded, triggering urgent evacuations for locals. Damages have rocketed to worth tens of billions dong.
The Government leader sent his deepest sympathy to the families of the victims. To cope with and quickly overcome the consequences caused by natural disasters, the PM requested the local authorities to support the affected families and provide safe shelter and food to locals.
Localities were also asked to continue inspecting areas at high risk of landslides and flashfloods in order to timely issue warnings and evacuate locals to safer places.
The National Committees for Disaster Response and Search and Rescue, as well as the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Public Security, were assigned to direct the forces based in the localities to engage in coping with the aftermath of the disasters.
Meanwhile, the Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development and Industry and Trade were requested to ensure safety for dykes and reservoirs, while the Ministry of Transport must direct the rapid settlement of landslides to ensure smooth traffic flows.
The other authorities concerned were asked to regularly update information on the developments of floods and disasters, while preparing necessary the forces, means and materials to support the affected localities when required.
Late June 24, the Central Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Control and Offices of the National Committees for Disaster Response and Search and Rescue issued a similar dispatch asking the relevant ministries, sectors and provinces to respond to flash floods and landslides in the northern mountainous locales.
According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, last night and early this morning, the Northwestern provinces continued to suffer from heavy rains. Due to the impact of a current low pressure, the region is expected to witness heavy rains and thunderstorms until June 27.
