VietNamNet Bridge – Violent floodwaters caused by torrential rains over the past few days have washed away five local residents in northern mountainous provinces.

Rising floodwaters block traffic flows in Son La Province.

According to the Central Steering Committee for Flood and Storm Control, two were feared dead in Son La, 1 in Lao Cai, 1 in Yen Bai and 1 in Dien Bien.

Heavy downpours damaged more than 200 houses, submerged nearly 3,800ha of rice and subsidiary crops, and triggered landslides, blocking traffic flows on major inter-provincial roads.

Although torrential rains finally let up, they are forecast to return and dump water on northern mountainous provinces again in the coming days.

In addition, water levels in the major river system in the north are rising, threatening the lives of local residents.

In an urgent telegram released on July 30, the Central Steering Committee for Flood and Storm Control asked its affiliated agencies in 26 provinces and cities to mobilise on-duty forces, reinforce dykes, and evacuate families from the flood-prone areas if required.

Source: VOV