Four people have gone missing after being swept away by flash floods in the northern mountainous province of Lai Chau on early June 24, according to the provincial Steering Committee for Disaster Response, Search and Rescue.

Muong Te district became isolated as a 30m-long section
of 4H National Road was demolished

The two flash floods caused by heavy downpours, swept through Muong Te and Nam Nhun districts, destroying local houses and crops.

Chairman of the People’s Committee of Muong Te district Mai Van Thach said that local residents are being evacuated to safer places while rescue forces are looking for the missing.

The floods also caused damage to some national and provincial roads. Muong Te district became isolated as a 30m-long section of 4H National Road was demolished. Provincial authorities have ordered agencies to provide support to affected households and repair the damaged roads.

Heavy rain is projected to continue in Lai Chau on June 24, with estimated rainfall in some areas being more than 100mm.

The northern mountainous region is vulnerable to flash floods and landslides triggered by big rains.

Since the beginning of 2019 to mid-June, 23 persons died or went missing in natural disasters, and economic losses were estimated at over 337 billion VND (14.56 million USD).

In 2018, a total 224 persons died or went missing due to disasters, while economic losses amounting to nearly 20 trillion VND (858.87 million USD)