Severe flooding from Typhoon Soulik has led to school closures and the evacuation of residents in Thanh Hoa, affecting thousands of students and households.
The Thanh Hoa Department of Education and Training announced that more than 3,000 students were sent home as floodwaters continued to rise, particularly in the low-lying areas near the river.
The flooding is a result of heavy rainfall brought on by the remnants of Typhoon No. 4 (Soulik), which has caused rivers in the region, including the Ma and Chu rivers, to overflow.
Areas most severely affected include the wards of Hoang Quang, Thieu Khanh, and Thieu Duong. Roads and schools were heavily inundated, forcing residents to evacuate.
Local authorities immediately ordered the closure of several schools, including Thieu Duong Primary and Secondary Schools, Thieu Khanh Primary and Secondary Schools, and Hoang Quang Primary and Secondary Schools.
In response to the worsening conditions, on September 23, the Chairman of Thanh Hoa City issued an emergency directive to manage the flood crisis. Evacuation efforts are now underway in areas where floodwaters have reached dangerous levels.
The authorities have also prioritized relocating vulnerable residents, such as the elderly, the infirm, and those living alone, to safety within flood barriers.
The situation remains critical as the Ma River continues to rise, and authorities are closely monitoring water levels to ensure the safety of residents in affected areas.