A landslide triggered by heavy rain in northern mountainous Tuyên Quang Province. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — At least five people died and five others were injured after heavy rain and flooding hit the northern and northern-central regions over the past few days, according to the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control.

Four people lost their lives in flash floods and landslides triggered by downpours in the mountainous provinces of Điện Biên, Tuyên Quang and Hòa Bình. One person in central Quảng Ngãi Province died after being struck by lightining. 

317 houses were destroyed in the localities. Over 19,200ha of rice and crops, 421.6ha of aquaculture farms and nearly 7,000 animals and poultry were either inundated or swept away.

Prolong heavy rain and flooding caused landslides on 30,789cu.m of soil and rock on many national highways. 

Authorities of localities are directing agencies to help local people cope with the floods and gradually recover. 

The National Steering Commttee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control sent an urgent message, requiring authorities of provincies and cities in the north, northern-central, Central Highlands and southern regions to keep a close watch on weather forecasts, and outline plans to cope with heavy rain, hailstones, flooding and landslides in mountainous and low-lying area.

The northern mountainous region will continue to see widespread rain in the coming days, with rainfall of 20-50mm or more, according to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

Showers are also expected in the Central Highlands and southern regions until May 29, coupled with strong winds, lightning and hail, as well as risks of flooding and landslides.

The northern area of the East Sea, including the waters around Hoàng Sa (Paracel) archipelago, and the western area of the sea’s southern part, including the waters around Trường Sa (Spratly) archipelago, are expected to see heavy rain and strong wind.

Head of the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting's Weather Forecasting Department Trần Quang Năng said due to Lanina effects, there would be unpredictable, complex and severe natural disasters this year, especially during the upcoming rainy and stormy season.

The northern region may see rain continuing until the end of this month, and heavy rain in the next two months, he said. — VNS