On the way to Phì Nhừ Commune in Điện Biên Đông District, only dead forests were visible. The record cold spell in late January left forests in Điện Biên Đông District of the mountainous Điện Biên Province dying. Most of the trees and plants in the area have dried out completely, and this has increased the risk of forest fires on a large scale. According to statistics supplied by the district authority, some 1,900 hectares of natural forest in many communes have been severely damaged. — VNS Photos Đoàn Tùng |