HÀ NỘI – Torrential rains are forecast to continue plaguing the northern region after flooding Hà Giang, Bắc Kạn and Tuyên Quang provinces over the past several days, affecting people’s lives and blocking traffic for hours.

The National Centre for Hydro–Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) yesterday announced that heavy rainfall would affect northern regions, including Hà Nội, starting Monday night. Average rainfall will range between 70 to 150mm, and reach up to 200mm in some areas.

The water level of  the northern Thao River has been rising significantly. In the next 24 hours, the amount was forecast to increase up to 30.95 metres. Landslides, gust wind, and flash floods are likely in Lai Châu, Điện Biên, Lào Cai, Yên Bái, Hà Giang, Tuyên Quang, Bắc Kạn, and Thái Nguyên provinces, it said.

Torrential rains in the past three days have caused chaos for residents of Hà Giang Province. In Đồng Văn District’s Phố Cáo Commune, rains submerged houses in Sảng Pả, Suối Thầu, Tá Tò and Khó Chư communes.

Tạ Tấn Hoàng, deputy head of the border force of Phó Bảng District, said at least ten households were inundated, forcing soldiers to evacuate residents to safety at midnight.

In Bắc Kạn Province, rainfall swept away crops in Chợ Đồn District. Lương Bằng, Nghĩa Tá, and Nam Cường communes were among the most affected with the loss of billions of đồng.

Hà Kim Oanh, deputy director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said many parts of roads from Bắc Kạn City to Chợ Đồn District have been severely eroded.

Parts of Highway 3B were eroded on Sunday, blocking traffic for hours until excavators cleared the road.

On Sunday, the Irrigation Administration asked the departments of agriculture and rural development in the northern region to be on duty around the clock at reservoirs to monitor water levels and assess the safety of local residents, who would be informed if any decision were made to discharge water. – VNS