Landslides block vehicles near Đồng Đò Lake in Sóc Sơn District in Hà Nội. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — The northern region has been hit by prolonged heavy rain, resulting in severe landslides and flooding that claimed seven lives and three injuries, blocked numerous roadways, and caused significant damage to properties and infrastructure.

A report from Yên Bái Province’s Disaster Response and Search and Rescue Committee said the heavy rain led to flash floods and landslides, resulting in the deaths of two young children on Saturday.

The two children, born in 2021 and 2023, from Háng Bla Ha AB Village, Khao Mang Commune in Mù Căng Chải District were killed when rocks rolled into their house.

The floods also damaged 31 houses and a section of National Highway 32 passing through Khao Mang and Hồ Bốn communes.

The landslide debris completely blocked the roads to the two communes, isolating and keeping them inaccessible. The entire Mù Cang Chải District experienced a power outage.

On Saturday night, local authorities directed the urgent evacuation of 15 households to safe locations. Secretary of the Mù Cang Chải District’s Party Committee Nông Việt Yên said the committee directed the police and military to promptly reach the disaster site to assist in evacuating people from the affected area.

Two task forces were established to access the affected communes and to visit the affected families.

The district issued warnings to prevent vehicles from passing through dangerous landslide-prone areas, high slopes, and steep terrains.

The committee mobilised human resources, machinery, and equipment to clear the debris and ensure road accessibility as soon as possible.

In Sơn La Province, a 23-year-old man in Chiềng Lao Commune, Mường La District was swept away by landslides and floods. At least eight houses were totally collapsed.

Due to the slope collapse, rocks and soil have intruded into local houses, prompting the emergency evacuation of 28 households in Mường La District, five households in Quỳnh Nhai District and two households in Sông Mã District.

Moreover, the section of National Highway 279D from Mường La District to Lai Châu Province has been completely cut off.

Roads leading to Nà Lếch Village in Chiềng Lao Commune, Mường Sại and Chiềng Bàng communes in Quỳnh Nhai District, and Mường Lèo and Pá Khoang communes in Sốp Cộp District have been partially blocked.

On Sunday, the provincial Disaster Response and Search and Rescue Committee established a task force to visit Mường La District and assist affected households.

Reports from Than Uyên District's People's Committee in Lai Châu Province showed that four people died and three were injured after torrential rains swept through the province.

Lường Văn Ơn, 51, and Mùa A Sử, 4, residing in Tà Mung Commune, Lò Thị Đinh, 56, and a man whose identity remained unknown in Khoen On Commune were among fatalities. 

Mường Cang, Khoen On, Mường Kim, Tà Hừa, and Tà Mung communes were the hardest hit as over 140 hectares of rice fields, vegetables, and fish ponds were swept away, causing damage worth more than VNĐ8 billion (US$377,000).

In Lai Châu Province, widespread landslides have blocked several roadways with thousands of cubic metres of soil and rocks, completely disrupting transportation routes. Similar conditions are also affecting various national highways in Điện Biên Province, including National Highway 4H passing through Mường Chà District, National Highway 6 passing through Tuần Giáo District, and National Highway 12 passing through Điện Biên District.

Authorities have promptly set up barriers and warning signs and are working to resolve the issues on these affected roads.

According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, heavy rain was forecast to continue in the northern regions in the next two days, with widespread rainfall of 20-50mm and locally exceeding 100mm.

Risks of flash floods and landslides were forecast in mountainous areas, and low-lying areas were at risk of flooding. Urban areas may also experience flooding due to heavy rain in a short period.

The prolonged heavy rain has also caused mudslides in many areas. In Minh Phú Commune, Sóc Sơn District in Hà Nội, mudslides have trapped many vehicles and caused difficulties in transportation.

The National Highway passing through Điện Biên Province has been cleared for traffic on Saturday. — VNA/VNS Photo

To proactively respond to the risks of flash floods and landslides, on Saturday, the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, and the National Committee for Disaster Response and Search and Rescue issued a directive calling on authorities to monitor the developments of heavy rain, flash floods, and landslides, and provide timely and comprehensive information to local authorities and residents to enable proactive prevention measures.

Northern mountainous provinces were asked to inspect and review residential areas near rivers and low-lying areas to proactively relocate and evacuate residents. The authorities were in charge of ensuring traffic control and providing guidance and warning signs in affected areas.

Local authorities were directed to implement safety measures for mines, reservoirs, and dams, especially small hydropower reservoirs. They were also tasked with arranging a standing force to regulate and handle potential incidents. — VNS