AHA Centre Situation Update No. 1: Landslides and Flash Floods in Northern Viet Nam, Thursday, 3 Aug 2017, 19:00 hrs (UTC+7)

HIGHLIGHTS

• Landslides occur in Nam-Ho Dien Bien districts of Lai Chau Province, Mu Chang Chai districts of Yen Bai Province, Muong La districts of Son La Province

• Flashfloods occur in Mu Chang Chai districts of Yen Bai Province and Muong La districts of Son La Province

• Intial reports indicated 6 deaths, 23 missing, 10 injured and 112 houses collapsed

• In order to assist the victims, the local authority has mobilised personnel and resources to repair the damaged to infrastructure and properties. Damage assessment is currently being conducted.

SUMMARY OF DISASTER EVENT

During the month of July 2017, Viet Nam has been affected by several disasters induced by weather and tropical storms. Several flood, flash floods and landslides has occurred in several areas in Viet Nam stretching from the central coast towards the northern mountainous areas of Viet Nam. The government of Viet Nam has been well managing the situation and mobilise resources to the affected areas. Thousands of houses and Thousands hectares of agricultural fields have been damaged by TS Talas and Sonca in the month of July.

Following these disasters, since August 2, 2017 the Northern mountainous provinces have moderate rain and heavy rain. Some provinces have heavier rainfall than others, such as Lai Chau, Son La and Yen Bai Province. According to the forecast, more rainfall in the level of moderate to very heavy rain with thunderstorm will continue to occur until August 6, 2017.

A major flash flood also occurred at Mu Cang Chai Town. This was caused by continuous heavy rain in the northern Son La Province. Initial report Intial reports indicated 6 deaths, 23 missing, 10 injured and 112 houses were collapsed due to flashflood and landslide (based on the initial report by Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, CCNDPC).

Heavy rain also increased the water levels on the rivers to the limit potential for flooding.
Son La authorities has mobilised hundreds of officials, soldiers, police officers and more to evacuate affected population living near rivers and streams to the safe areas.