Following the flash floods on the morning of July 17, torrents of water rushed down from mountains rising more than 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level, surging across National Highway 32, inundating rice fields, crops and residential areas.

In Chit Village, Muong Than Commune, Lai Chau Province, the powerful floodwaters swept away 15 homes, leaving one person dead and six others missing.

The devastation across Muong Than was extensive.

Numerous cars and motorcycles were severely damaged, while massive tree trunks, rocks and mud were carried into residential areas.

A section of National Highway 32 suffered major landslides, bringing traffic to a complete standstill.

Hundreds of police officers and military personnel from Lai Chau quickly arrived at the scene.

Emergency crews have been racing against time to help residents recover belongings, rescue those stranded by the floods and search for the missing.

Landslides strike Son La

In neighboring Son La Province, Ngoc Chien Commune was hit by similar flooding and landslides overnight between July 16 and 17.

The disaster completely destroyed three homes and damaged 14 others.

One of the most dramatic incidents occurred when a landslide buried five family members - an elderly woman and her four grandchildren.

Fortunately, emergency responders rescued all five victims safely.

Local authorities are continuing to assess damage to crops, homes and other property.