VietNamNet Bridge – A weeklong spell of rain in the northern province of Lai Chau has resulted in damages worth an estimated VND8 billion (US$355,000).

A weeklong spell of rain in the northern province of Lai Chau has resulted in damages worth an estimated VND8 billion (US$355,000). — Photo: VNA/VNS

The Lai Chau Steering Committee Office for Disaster Prevention and Rescue on Monday announced that the prolonged heavy rainfall, lasting from June 27 to 2pm July 3, severely disrupted transportation and caused losses to residents.

Flooding following the downpour washed away a bridge over the Nam Cha spring, isolating Nam Nhun and Muong Te districts.

A landslide on provincial roads 127 and 129 temporarily halted the flow of traffic between the centre of Nam Nhun District and its communes of Nam Cha and Muong Mo.

The landslide also caused soil and rocks to fall on residents’ houses in Nam Nhun, Tam Duong and Muong Te districts, forcing authorities to urgently evacuate affected households to safe areas, according to the Lai Chau disaster committee.

Heavy rain also washed away another 17 dykes, irrigation and canal structures, while a large area of paddy and vegetable fields were submerged.

Further, the downpour triggered the appearance of 10 sink holes in Nam Loong Commune, of which four were located on the national highways while the rest were in residential areas.

Nam Loong People’s Committee chairman Giang A Tua said authorities were filling the holes with rocks to ensure safety of the people and to resume traffic at the earliest.

Yen Bai also experienced a spell of heavy rain this time, with flooding killing one person and injuring another in Mu Cang Chai District on July 3. Forty-two houses scattered across the northern mountainous province were severely damaged.

VNS