Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm speaks at the meeting with the provincial Party Committee to overcome typhoon Yagi aftermath. VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm arrived in the northern province of Phú Thọ in the late afternoon of Thursday to inspect flood prevention and control efforts and to provide support and encouragement to residents affected by Typhoon Yagi and subsequent flooding.

According to a report of the provincial Party Committee’s standing board, typhoon-induced heavy rains from September 7 to 11, combined with water released from upstream reservoirs, caused rapid rises in river levels across the province and wide spread flooding.

The natural disaster resulted in two deaths, seven injuries, and nine missing persons so far. Emergency evacuations were carried out for 7,015 households due to flooding and landslides. Several medical, educational, and cultural facilities also sustained damage. Agricultural losses included 6,400 hectares of rice and crops submerged or flattened, 127 hectares of forests uprooted, and 2,000 hectares of aquaculture areas were breached or destroyed. Transport infrastructure was severely impacted, with landslides covering roadways and the T7 pier and two spans of Phong Châu Bridge on National Highway 32C collapsed.

The preliminary estimate of total damage is over VNĐ250 billion (US$10.17 million) (excluding damage to the Phong Châu Bridge).

Soldiers help residents clear streets choked with debris and mud. VNA/VNS Photo

At the meeting, provincial leaders requested support from the central government for the construction of a new bridge to replace the old Phong Châu, the reinforcement and upgrading of weak dike sections, and improvements to wave barriers along the Thao River’s left and right banks. Additionally, they called for assistance in materials, equipment, and resources for disaster prevention and rescue efforts.

On behalf of the Party and State, the top leader expressed deep sympathy and solidarity with the local victims.

He noted that the highest priority for all flood-hit localities is to rescue people, with the armed forces playing a central role. All available resources, equipment, and sci-tech applications should be utilised to search for the missing and ensure absolute safety for rescue forces, while efforts should also be made to care for flood victims, early restore the supply of water, electricity and telecoms services, resume production, business and normal social activities.

Volunteers transport food and essential supplies to help isolated residents in the flood-hit area in Phú Thọ Province. VNA/VNS Photo

Regarding Phú Thọ's proposals, the Party General Secretary and President highlighted the importance of the Phong Châu Bridge, not only for Phú Thọ but also for neighbouring provinces, and stated that its reconstruction must be prioritised and completed as soon as possible.

Concerning the reinforcement of vulnerable dike sections along the Thao River, he instructed the province to research and implement structures capable of withstanding severe weather events to ensure the safety of local residents.

On this occasion, the top leader presented gifts to Phú Thọ, while the Central Committee of the Việt Nam Fatherland Front donated VNĐ30 billion\ to aid the province's recovery efforts. — VNS