The disaster leaves residents stunned as their properties are submerged under rising waters.

A deluge of heavy rainfall, triggering landslides and inundating various areas, has brought Ha Giang province to a standstill. The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reports rainfall ranging from 100 to 200mm, with some regions receiving over 400mm. Tragically, three lives are claimed in the calamity.

The Ha Giang Provincial Irrigation Department records substantial rainfall within a 14-hour window, with Thuong Son (Vi Xuyen) enduring 320mm, Quang Ngan (Vi Xuyen) 279mm, Tan Lap 2 (Bac Quang) 239mm, Cao Bo (Vi Xuyen) 232mm, and Tung Vai (Quan Ba) 195mm of rainfall.

The flood's impact is most pronounced in Ha Giang city, where 350 homes are inundated, alongside numerous vehicles, including 50 cars and 70 motorbikes. Preliminary assessments estimate damages at approximately 9.5 billion VND.

Regrettably, the flood's ferocity claims three lives, including two individuals swept away by floodwaters in Hoang Su Phi district and one victim of a landslide in Quan Ba district.

The Lo River adjacent residences along Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, the heart of Ha Giang City, bear the brunt of the deluge.

Submerged vehicles illustrate the extent of the floodwaters, compelling residents to navigate through inundated streets using inflatable boats.

Rapid water surges from upstream result in widespread flooding and landslides, leading to traffic congestion, infrastructure damage, and property loss. Business operations in Ha Giang City come to a halt as floodwaters inundate shops and establishments by noon on June 10.

Mr. Phu (Nguyen Trai ward), surveying his inundated residence, laments: "At 5 a.m. on June 10, the water level rose nearly 2 meters, inundating our home within moments. Our efforts to salvage belongings were futile, with electrical appliances, including generators and speakers, all submerged and extensively damaged."

Ms. Dang Thi Huong (Ngoc Ha ward) recounts the distressing scene: "At 5 a.m., torrents of water flooded our home. With only my daughter-in-law and me present, we were unable to salvage furniture or electronic appliances. Our refrigerators and washing machines were all submerged. I had invested 20 million VND in purchasing chickens just the day before, now all lost."

As floodwaters recede, families unite to bail water, clean homes, and clear mud. 

Some strategically elevate belongings to mitigate damage. Mr. Phuong (Nguyen Trai ward) recalls: "My home, elevated nearly a meter higher than others, still succumbed to flooding. Despite this, in 2020, only our stairs were submerged. This year, floodwaters reached even our motorbikes."

Main roads in Ha Giang city witness deep flooding, resulting in significant traffic delays. Normalcy returns only around 3:00 p.m. on June 10, once floodwaters subside sufficiently to allow vehicular movement.

At a local hotel, several foreign tourists cancel plans due to severe erosion along National Highway 4C from Dong Van to Meo Vac, further exacerbating the region's challenges.

Nguyen Hue - Khanh Linh