The horrific landslide occurred early on the morning of September 10 when part of the Con Voi Mountain fell and buried almost the whole of Lang Nu Village down a valley some 500 metres away when 158 residents, including 32 children, were sleeping.
The whole area faced widespread heavy rain triggered by Typhoon Yagi, which caused flash floods and landslides in various locations. There was no power, internet, or telephone coverage, and it was not until 2 pm that day that rescue forces reached the devastated village, which lies 120 km from Lao Cai City.
Speaking at a briefing with PM Chinh on Thursday, Lao Cai Chairman Trinh Xuan Truong said that 45 people had been found dead and 17 others injured at the landslide site while rescue forces were still looking for 50 others who remained missing.
Wading through the muddy terrain, PM Chinh burst into tears when listening to the residents. He expressed his profound condolences to the families of the deceased and missing, as well as to those who have lost their homes and possessions. He encouraged them to overcome their grief and said the authorities remained by their side, providing care and mobilising society to support them in overcoming their hardship as soon as possible.
At a meeting with the Lao Cai administration and rescue forces, the PM instructed the military, police, medical personnel, and other forces to work closely with local authorities to mobilise additional people and resources for continued search efforts, provide medical care for the injured, and properly handle funeral arrangements for the deceased.
The government leader directed relevant ministries and agencies to collaborate with the province to ensure environmental sanitation, prevent disease outbreaks, restore traffic routes, and urgently repair school facilities so students can return to class.
The PM requested Lao Cai develop a plan for land allocation and housing support for displaced residents. This housing arrangement must be completed by December 31 for those who lost their homes in Lang Nu Village.
Leave your comment on this story