Heavy rain lasting from the night of July 23 through the morning of July 24 triggered landslides at multiple locations in Than Uyen and Muong Than communes, causing localized traffic disruptions along sections of National Highway 32.

On the morning of July 24, Lai Chau Provincial Police said prolonged heavy rain had caused soil and rock landslides in Than Uyen and Muong Than communes, partially blocking the section of National Highway 32 between Km355 and Km357.

Immediately after receiving the information, the Traffic Police Division under Lai Chau Provincial Police coordinated with road management units, including the provincial Department of Construction and Lai Chau Road Management Company, to mobilize maximum personnel and equipment.

Forces were deployed to redirect traffic from a distance and urgently clear debris and address the incidents.

In Chit village, Muong Than commune - where a recent flash flood swept away dozens of houses, killed seven people, left one person missing and caused severe damage to property and crops - large volumes of water continued rushing down from surrounding hills and mountains on the morning of July 24.

The floodwaters spilled onto National Highway 32, cutting off the road and disrupting traffic.

At Km353+800 on National Highway 32, within Chit village, Muong Than commune, Lai Chau province, soil and rocks covered the entire roadway.

Landslides were also reported at several locations along National Highway 279 through Muong Than commune, cutting off sections of the route. The area around Km156 was completely blocked.

Lai Chau Provincial Police advised residents and motorists planning to travel through Muong Than commune on the two national highways to stop immediately, find a safe place to park or turn around and take an alternative route.

People were strictly warned not to attempt to cross landslide sites or flooded crossings cut off by fast-moving water.

They were also urged to fully comply with traffic control and instructions at warning checkpoints operated by traffic police and local police officers at the scene.

Tran Nghi