Landslides triggered by prolonged downpours killed six local residents and left four missing and five others injured in Phong Tho district in the northern mountainous province of Lai Chau on August 3.

Sin Chai village after landslides

The deceased included a woman in Sin Chai village of Mu Sang commune and five people in Nhom 1 village of Vang Ma Chai commune.

The landslides also damaged dozens of houses in Phong Tho district. A large number of households living along rivers and streams have been evacuated to safe places.

Local authorities have mobilized border guard officers, soldiers and other forces in Phong Tho district to evacuate families in landslide-prone areas.

Rescuers have rushed to the sites to search for the missing people and help the affected residents to overcome the aftermath.

The provincial People’s Committee issued an urgent official dispatch, requesting Lai Chau’s districts and cities to take measures in response to heavy rains and floods in the province.

In June 2018, flash floods also left 16 dead in Lai Chau province and caused total losses of 314 billion VND (almost 14 million USD).-VNA