Typhoon Kujira, the first storm of the year brought heavy rains and caused flash floods, costing human lives and property damage in northern provinces, including Son La and Lai Chau.

Son La was hit the hardest, with eight dead and three people missing, according to the provincial Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue on June 25.

More than 70 houses collapsed and nearly 400 houses were flooded. More than 500 hectares of rice paddies and crops were inundated; livestock was washed away and local irrigation and road infrastructure were seriously damaged.

Landslides disrupted traffic and brought down electricity supply in a number of communes in Moc Chau, Yen Chau, Luong La and Thuan Chau districts.

Lai Chau also suffered severe losses, with one dead, one injured and another person missing. The storm also caused landslides and floods, and damaged local infrastructure.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc signed an urgent notice on June 25 on accelerating efforts in response to typhoon Kujira.

The Deputy PM called upon Son La province to continue searching for the missing, providing food and drinking water for contaminated households, and assisting the families of the deceased and injured financially.

He asked local authorities to speed up the evacuation of residents in landslide-prone areas, ensure traffic safety in flooded areas, and help local residents resume their livelihoods.

He also requested relevant ministries and bodies to join the response and relief efforts and prevent further damage.

VNA