Vietnam's North Hit by Renewed Flooding Amid Heavy Rains, Hampering Recovery Efforts

Renewed flooding has struck Vietnam's northern Muong Than region, disrupting ongoing recovery efforts following a devastating landslide on July 17. The torrents, carrying mud and debris, have once again inundated National Highway 32. On the morning of July 24, water from the Hoang Lien Son mountain range surged down through erosion channels created by the previous landslide, rushing through the Doi 11 area of Muong Than commune and spilling over approximately 100 meters of National Highway 32. The muddy, fast-flowing water carried significant amounts of sediment. The Doi 11 area had previously suffered severe damage from the July 17 landslide, which resulted in seven deaths, one missing person, dozens of destroyed or damaged houses, and roughly 800 meters of National Highway 32 rendered impassable. Just as functional authorities and residents were working to clear the aftermath and restore traffic on National Highway 32, the floodwaters returned. The People's Committee of Muong Than commune is mobilizing forces to inspect the site, erect warning signs, and maintain a 24-hour watch at dangerous locations. Authorities are urging residents to avoid the Doi 11 area, refrain from gathering to watch the flood, collecting firewood, or fishing, and to stay away from swollen rivers and streams. Heavy rainfall has also caused localized landslides and traffic disruptions on National Highway 32 in the Than Uyen and Muong Than areas. The Lai Chau Provincial Traffic Police are coordinating with road management units to divert traffic and expedite repairs when weather conditions permit. Police advise the public to limit travel in high-risk landslide areas unless absolutely necessary, monitor weather and traffic conditions, and comply with instructions from law enforcement at checkpoints. According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the influence of a low-pressure trough brought rainfall of 30-70 mm to Tuyen Quang, Phu Tho, Lai Chau, Dien Bien, and Son La overnight, with some areas exceeding 70 mm. Notable rainfall amounts included 121 mm in Minh Quang (Tuyen Quang), 120 mm in Dai Phuc (Thai Nguyen), 88 mm in Phu Ninh (Phu Tho), and 55 mm in Muong Mit (Lai Chau). From July 24 to 25, Northern Vietnam is forecast to continue experiencing heavy rainfall of 40-100 mm, with localized amounts exceeding 200 mm. This intense rainfall could lead to flash floods in small rivers and streams, landslides in mountainous and midland regions, and flooding in low-lying areas near rivers. In the next 24-48 hours, water levels in the Tuyen Quang and Thac Ba reservoirs are expected to rise. The upper reaches of the Thao, Chay, Lo, Cau, and Thuong rivers may reach alert levels 1-2, with some areas exceeding alert level 2. Information Source: VnExpress