Northern Vietnam Hit by Landslides Amid Heavy Rains, Causing VND255 Billion in Losses

Severe weather conditions from July 8 to 11 have caused significant damage in provinces including Lao Cai, Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La, Tuyen Quang, and Thai Nguyen, with landslides being a major concern. Total economic losses are estimated at approximately VND255 billion (nearly $9.7 million USD). Lai Chau Province suffered the largest share of damage with VND190 billion, followed by Son La with VND46.04 billion, Lao Cai with VND16.7 billion, and Dien Bien with VND2.3 billion. In Son La, one person was injured when rocks from a landslide struck a car. Officers and soldiers of the Lai Chau provincial Border Guard, along with sniffer-dog teams, are continuing search and rescue operations for those still missing, despite relentless rain and knee-deep mud. The Prime Minister has instructed ministries, sectors, and local authorities to strictly implement directives on strengthening disaster prevention and response to minimize casualties and damage to public and private property. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges Vietnam faces in managing natural disasters, particularly in its northern mountainous regions, which are prone to landslides. The government's directive underscores its commitment to disaster preparedness and response within the framework of its centralized governance system.