Four people were killed, three injured while infrastructure and houses were severely damaged in the northern mountainous district of Than Uyên, Sơn La Province following torrential rains over the weekend. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — The Prime Minister has issued a dispatch demanding ministries, sectors, and localities ramp up response to and settlement of downpour and flood consequences in northern mountainous and midland areas.

The document was sent to the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control; the National Committee for Incident and Natural Disaster Response, Search and Rescue; the ministers of agriculture and rural development, natural resources and environment, construction, transport, industry and trade, national defence, and public security; and the chairpersons of the provincial People’s Committees of Lai Châu, Yên Bái, Lào Cai, Sơn La, Điện Biên, Thái Nguyên, Bắc Kạn, Cao Bằng, Hà Giang, Lạng Sơn, Bắc Giang, Tuyên Quang, Phú Thọ, Hoà Bình, and Quảng Ninh.

Since August 4, the region has recorded downpours with rainfalls of 100 - 200mm, even nearly 400mm in some areas, causing flooding on small rivers and springs, flash floods, and landslides in some localities and also resulting in human and property losses, especially in Lai Châu, Yên Bái, and Sơn La provinces.

The PM offered condolences to the bereaved families and sympathies over the losses suffered by residents in affected areas.

The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting has predicted that downpours will continue in this region from now through August 8, with rainfalls of 50-120mm, even over 180mm, which will continue posing very high risks of floods, flash floods, and landslides.

Given this, to ensure life safety and minimise property losses, the Government leader requested the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, the National Committee for Incident and Natural Disaster Response, Search and Rescue, ministers, and chairpersons of the provincial-level People’s Committees in the region not to lower their guard, proactively take response actions, and quickly address consequences.

From August 5 to 6pm on August 6, downpours and floods caused 10 casualties in northern mountainous and midland localities, including seven in Lai Châu, two in Yên Bái and one in Sơn La, along with heavy property losses, reported the Standing Office of the National Steering Committee.

Local authorities have visited and offered assistance to the families of those killed or injured in floods. They are also working to evacuate residents in vulnerable areas to safer places.

Earlier, the PM had also issued a dispatch to request strong efforts to respond to floods, subsidence and landslides, and ensure the safety of dams in the Central Highlands region. — VNS