Authorities working to rescue stranded barges at Mỹ Thuỷ railway bridge on Sunday. VNA/VNS Photos

QUẢNG TRỊ — Heavy rain brought by a tropical depression has caused flooding across several mountainous areas of Quảng Trị Province, isolating communities and sending river levels rising rapidly.

As weather conditions remain unpredictable, police and local authorities in mountainous communes are intensifying public warnings, monitoring high-risk areas, preparing evacuation plans and keeping rescue personnel and equipment on standby.

As of 8pm on September 13, 2026, the flood level on the Thạch Hãn River was 6.37m, 0.37m above Flood Warning Level 3.

The low-lying area along the Thạch Hãn River in Ái Tử Commune was flooded on Sunday.

The Kim Phú commune authorities arranged transportation for residents in isolated areas.

Local authorities transport residents and vehicles from an isolated area in Kim Phú Commune on Sunday.

The Traffic Police Division of Quảng Trị Provincial Police prepares vehicles for rescue operations in flood-affected areas.

Due to heavy rain and rising floodwaters, three barges had their mooring ropes broken and drifted ashore, becoming stranded near the Mỹ Chánh bridge.

Authorities are considering several options, including sinking the barges or using cranes to pull them upstream.

Meanwhile, authorities are racing to deal with a separate incident involving barges lodged against the Mỹ Thuỷ railway bridge. On the evening of September 13, Quảng Trị Provincial Police said firefighting and rescue personnel were working with local authorities and relevant agencies to urgently free the barges and ensure traffic safety in the area.

By about 6pm that day, one small barge had been cut free and had drifted away from where it had been trapped. The two remaining barges were listing to one side and remained lodged against the bridge. — VNS