A prolonged period of heavy rain in recent days has caused economic losses totaling billions of VND throughout the northern mountainous province of Lai Chau.

In an effort to minimise the loss of life and property, two hydroelectric plants in Lai Chau province announced plans to discharge flooding whilst warning relevant agencies about taking preventive measures aimed at ensuring the safety of residents in low-land areas. 

According to latest statistics released by the provincial Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue, torrential rain between July 10 and July 12 caused landslides in major transport routes in Sin Ho and Tam Duong districts, as well as serious damage to subsidiary crops throughout the region with losses estimated at more than VND3 billion.

Due to the impact caused by heavy rain on a large scale occurring in upstream areas, the water levels in Nam Na river increased rapidly.

To ensure the safety of residents and avoiding property losses in both upstream and downstream areas, the Nam Na 1 hydropower plant is expected to discharge flooding when the water levels of the reservoir reach higher than the permitted level.

The Huoi Quang - Ban Chat Hydropower Company stated that two hours ahead of the discharge time, the company will move to directly notify the Steering Committees of Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue in communes and districts across the region.

Torrential rain is forecast to continue hitting Lai Chau province over the course of the coming days, posing a high risk of flash floods, landslides, and severe flooding in the region.