Vietnam's National Highway 32 Submerged by Heavy Rains, Residents Evacuated

Fast-moving floodwater submerged National Highway 32 in the Ban Chit area of Muong Than Commune, Lai Chau Province, on the morning of July 17, rendering the road impassable. Several households were surrounded by floodwater, prompting authorities to assist residents and their belongings to safety. Tran Linh Chi, a resident of Doi 9 in Muong Than Commune, described the flooding as the most severe she had ever witnessed. In some areas, the water level exceeded one meter, carrying away soil, rocks, trees, and residents' property. National Highway 32 is a vital artery connecting Hanoi with Phu Tho, Lao Cai, and Lai Chau. The section passing through Muong Than is situated between a mountain range rising over 1,000 meters on one side and a valley of rice fields on the other. Sustained heavy rainfall has caused water to cascade from the peaks into the valley. Lai Chau provincial police reported that the rain triggered flash floods and landslides at multiple points along National Highway 32 through Pac Ta and Muong Than communes, leading to traffic paralysis. Authorities have not yet been able to fully ascertain the extent of the damage or the number of affected individuals, as many areas remain cut off. The provincial police mobilized over 200 officers and personnel for the response effort. The Mobile Police Division alone deployed three vehicles, 50 life buoys, 70 life jackets, and a heavy-lift drone for rescue operations. At the scene, personnel assisted residents in evacuating deeply flooded areas and moved belongings to safety. They also managed traffic diversions and established warning posts at deep water points and areas prone to landslides. Traffic Police Team No. 3 collaborated with commune police and road management units to control traffic, ensuring the safety of people and vehicles by keeping them out of dangerous zones, and aided in clearing the aftermath. The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting stated that a low-pressure trough across northern Vietnam brought heavy rain to Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La, and Lao Cai over the past 24 hours. Rainfall was exceptionally high in some locations, with measurements reaching 206 mm in Phuc Than, Lai Chau; 141 mm in Sin Chai, Dien Bien; 272 mm in Nam Pam, Son La; and 305 mm in Che Tao, Lao Cai. Soil moisture in many areas is near or at saturation, significantly increasing the risk of flash floods and landslides.