Responding to unusual floods in the North

Updated until noon and afternoon of August 21, the situation of rain, wind, flooding, and bad weather not only occurred in Bac Ninh province but also spread to the provinces: Lang Son, Thai Nguyen, Tuyen Quang... The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment requested urgent response to rain and floods.

In an urgent dispatch sent to the People's Committees of the Northern mountainous provinces on the afternoon of August 21, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Nguyen Hoang Hiep said that the meteorological agency reported that the rainfall in the North was from 50 to 120mm. Many places had over 250mm of rain. Some places were at risk of rainfall intensity of over 100mm in 3 hours. There was a risk of flash floods on small rivers and streams and landslides on steep slopes, especially in Lai Chau and Dien Bien.

Vo Nhai ( Thai Nguyen province) submerged in water. Photo: LAM KHANH

Need to inform people and local authorities early

The telegram of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment requested localities to closely monitor forecast and warning information. Information must be sent promptly to local authorities and people. Residential areas along rivers, streams and low-lying areas must be checked. Guards must be on duty at culverts and spillways - areas with rapid water or risk of landslides.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment also requested localities to prepare forces, vehicles, and materials for rescue. Incidents must be resolved and traffic must be maintained when heavy rain occurs. On-duty staff must be strictly maintained.

Abnormal weather, many places flooded due to rain

In fact, from the early morning of August 21, the convergence zone caused very heavy rain over a large area in the Northeast region of the North, causing many areas in the provinces: Lang Son, Bac Ninh, Thai Nguyen... to be deeply flooded, people were unable to react, water flooded into markets, houses, warehouses, barns... The meteorological agency warned of rapid floodwaters rising on the Thai Binh river system from August 21 to 23.

Traffic through Huu Lien commune (Lang Son province) was cut off by rain.

In Lang Son province, heavy rain from the night of August 20 to noon on August 21 caused flooding and landslides in many villages in Xuan Duong commune. Local authorities have evacuated people and property from dangerous areas. In Huu Lien commune, rocks and soil slid down some roads, forcing four households to temporarily leave their homes. Provincial Road 243 has been cordoned off for repair.

Rain flooded many houses in Bac Kan area (Thai Nguyen province)

In the northern part of Thai Nguyen province, heavy rains flooded a series of residential areas in Bac Kan and Duc Xuan wards, many roads were flooded 30-50cm deep, water flooded into houses and schools. Travel on Doi Ky and Kon Tum roads and the central square was difficult.

Authorities evacuate children from flooded houses in Vo Nhai commune (Thai Nguyen province). Photo: LAM KHANH

The Cau River rose rapidly. Many residential areas along the river were flooded more than 1 meter deep, water flooded into people's houses, furniture was submerged, causing people to cry for help on social networks.

Cau River water level rises rapidly, afternoon of August 21

A horse is stuck on the Cau River in Thai Nguyen province. Photo shared by local people

In the northern part of Bac Ninh province, many areas were also deeply flooded, some roads were eroded causing traffic disruption. The heavily flooded areas were the communes of Son Dong, Dai Son, Yen Dinh, Tuan Dao and Tay Yen Tu.

Water flooded into houses in Bac Ninh province on August 21. Clip: PHAM QUE

The deepest point is approximately 2 meters deep. Many culverts are completely flooded, Tay Yen Tu commune is partially isolated. Rainwater flows into people's houses, the risk of further rise.

Vice Chairman of Bac Ninh Provincial People's Committee Phan The Tuan inspected the flood situation in Tuan Dao commune.

In Tuyen Quang province, rainfall was recorded at more than 100mm in just a few hours in many communes. The meteorological agency warned of flash floods and landslides and requested the operation of hydroelectric reservoirs according to safety procedures.

Meanwhile, in Quang Ninh province, heavy rain continued with strong winds along the coast. Mountainous communes such as Hai Son, Ky Thuong, Mong Duong and the Mong Cai area were warned of a high risk of flash floods and landslides on the night of August 21.

The Department of Hydrometeorology (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment) warned that the Thai Binh River system will have a flood from August 21 to 23 with an amplitude of 2-8m in the upstream, the peak may reach warning level 2-3. Accordingly, the water level of Luc Nam River, Thuong River, and Cau River is rising rapidly. The situation will be complicated on the night of August 21, especially in places where there is a possibility of rain intensity of over 100mm for 3 consecutive hours.

ANGEL

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/ung-pho-mua-lu-bat-thuong-o-mien-bac-post809471.html