The decision was made during his visit to the province on Thursday morning to assess the damage and oversee recovery efforts.

During his visit, PM Chinh met with residents and rescue forces in Hong Ha Ward, before inspecting a landslide site in Nguyen Thai Hoc ward, where two people remain missing.

He then chaired a brief meeting with local authorities to get updated information about the natural disasters facing the province.

According to a report from local authorities, Yen Bai witnessed heavy rain triggered by the Typhoon Yagi from September 5-9, causing serious floods on local rivers which surpassed the historic flood level set in 1968.

Subsequent landslides occurred at 2,700 locations throughout the province, leaving 40 people dead, 23 injured and four others remain missing, the report said.

Almost 60,000 people whose homes were flooded have been evacuated.

PM Chinh expressed deep condolences to the families affected by the floods and praised the swift, coordinated response of Yen Bai’s authorities, military and volunteers. He emphasised that the safety and well-being of the population must remain the top priority. The Prime Minister urged ministries and local authorities to concentrate on rescue operations, care for the injured and the timely delivery of supplies to isolated areas.

The Prime Minister also called for a thorough assessment and documentation of property damage to formulate recovery plans. He stressed the urgent need to repair schools and hospitals so children can return to classes and patients can receive necessary care. Immediate action is required to restore utilities, industrial zones, and business operations impacted by the disaster.