Vietnam Allocates Emergency Relief to Lai Chau Province Following Devastating Floods

The Team 11 area of Muong Than Commune, Lai Chau Province, northern Vietnam, after the flash floods on July 17, 2026 - Photo: Muong Than Commune The Government has decided to allocate emergency relief to help Lai Chau Province recover from the severe floods and landslides that have caused extensive damage and loss of life. The province was hit by prolonged heavy to very heavy rainfall between July 15 and 19, with accumulated precipitation ranging from 150 mm to 300 mm. Several monitoring stations recorded exceptionally high rainfall, including Pac Ta with 397 mm and Hua Bum with 389 mm. Since the beginning of July, total rainfall in some areas has exceeded 900 mm. The persistent downpours triggered a severe flash flood in Muong Than Commune on the morning of July 17, causing widespread devastation. According to the latest reports, rain-induced floods have claimed six lives while two others are still missing. A quick assessment by the Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment showed that, as of 3:00 p.m. on July 20, prolonged rainfall and flooding had caused extensive damage to homes, infrastructure and other assets across the province, with total losses estimated at around VND270 billion (US$10.3 million). The Government also requested the Lai Chau Provincial People's Committee to mobilize local budget resources, alongside the central government support and other lawful financial sources, to expeditiously deploy relief and recovery measures.