Yellow-spined bamboo locusts destroy corn field in Mường Nhé District, Điện Biên Province. — Photo nhandan.com.vn

HÀ NỘI — The yellow-spined bamboo locusts (Ceracris kiangsu) swarm has destroyed at least 277ha of bamboo forests and corn fields in eight provinces across the country.

A locust invasion from China and Laos swarmed across parts of Sơn La, Điện Biên, Bắc Kạn, Cao Bằng, Lạng Sơn, Phú Thọ, Quảng Ninh and Thanh Hóa provinces, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD).

The insects have been making an appearance since early June, moving from Laos to Thanh Hóa province.

From July 20, they migrated from China to Điện Biên Province, affecting 60ha of crops then they returned to China on July 23.

MARD has directed the Plant Protection Department together with localities to regularly monitor the situation to take preventive measures.

Provinces which border Laos and China were required to continue coordinating with neighbouring countries to gain information for prevention of the swarm.

In the future, MARD will continue to direct relevant agencies to proactively inspect, detect and prevent the locust swarms effectively.

Earlier, the High Command of Military Region 2 on July 20 detected a locust invasion from China to Xín Thầu Commune, Mường Nhé District, Điện Biên Province, destroying 40ha of bamboo forests and 20ha of agriculture crops. — VNS