More than 650 people, mostly soldiers, combed through large areas that bore the brunt of the tragedy, on September 12. Relevant forces even deployed sniffer dogs and excavators to the site to assist with search and rescue work. Rain has already stopped, but mud and debris are hindering rescue efforts.

At the site, Major General Nguyan Dang Khai, chief of staff of Military Region 2, requested search and rescue teams to change their methods, as some areas are shallow, while others are deeply buried under mud and debris.

A group of soldiers gathered large pieces of wood onto higher ground to avoid obstructing visibility. Residents of Nu village were mobilized to use small agricultural vehicles to help the troops remove some of the debris.

Each time a body was found, a coffin was immediately brought to the scene. Many local residents witnessing the search for the flashflood victims were deeply saddened. Many people brought photographs of their missing relatives to the scene, anxiously waiting for news of their loved ones.

The flash floods accompanied by rock and soil hit Nu village in Phuc Khanh commune of Bao Yen district on September 10, burying 35 households with 158 people in the village.

As of 9a.m. on September 12, rescue forces had found 41 dead bodies; 54 remain missing; 17 injured people are receiving treatment at medical facilities; and 46 individuals have managed escape the disaster.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh is scheduled to travel to Nu village on September 12 to direct search and rescue work.

VOV