Flooding ravaged several coal stations.

Leaders of the Vietnam National Coal Mineral Industries Group (Vinacomin) told Industry and Trade Minister Vu Huy Hoang that flooding from ten day's of torrential rain in the province had seriously damaged 16 major coal mines. More than 10,000 tonnes of stockpiled coal had been washed away.

Open-cut and underground mines had been flooded, and production had halted.

Some 30,000 miners had to stop work. Total losses in plant and equipment are estimated at about VND1.2trn (USD55m).

Due to heavy rains, coal supply for power plants has been disrupted, posing the risk of power cuts in major urban areas unless supply can be restored.

Vinacomin general director Dang Thanh Hai said the group was drawing on all available resources to maintain supply.

“We pledge to ensure sufficient coal for the national economy,” Hai said.

Hoang said restoration of roads would be a priority.

Quang Ninh is Vietnam's biggest coal basin. On July 26, 260mm of rain was recorded in Quang Ninh’s Cua Ong ward, 200mm in Ha Long city and Van Don District and about 100mm in Dong Trieu town.

Days of rain caused flash flooding and landslides which have left at least 23 dead and missing in Quang Ninh Province.