Wide scale flooding is happening all across Quảng Trị Province. — VNA/VNS Photo Hồ Cầu

QUẢNG TRỊ — Twenty two military personnel and officials are missing after a landslide engulfed their base in the mountainous area of Quảng Trị Province last night.

Those missing are from the 337 National Economic - Defence Unit under the 4th Military Zone.

This is the second times in the past few days that military personal have been affected by natural disasters. On Thursday, the bodies of 13 soldiers and officials were found after a landslide in Thừa Thiên Huế Province. They had been dispatched to rescue others who had become trapped by when a landslide hit Rào Trăng 3 Hydropower Plant.

A meeting was held at 3am today to set up a steering unit at Khe Sanh Township, Hướng Hóa District, according to Chairman of Quảng Trị Province’s People’s Committee Võ Văn Hưng.

A medical team has been put in place to treat people if they can be reached.

Border stations are prepared in case any more landslides hit the area and urgent warnings have been sent to local residents about the risk of further floods.

Last night, rescue forces began the search for the missing. In Hướng Hóa District and Đăkrong District, many roads have been blocked due to landslide.

This morning, inspection teams are travelling to the affected areas to direct rescue work.

Meanwhile, at around 6.30pm last night, a landslide happened in Hướng Hóa District that buried six people from one family. Two were found but died and the other four are still missing.

Wide scale flooding is happening all across Quảng Trị Province with as many as 82 out of the province’s 124 communes affected. — VNS