Villagers rescued from flooded areas
The heavy rains and floods in the past days have heavily affected nine communes and towns in Muong Lat. As of September 3, 105 houses were destroyed and hundreds of other houses were damaged. Nearly 300 households were already evacuated due to high risks of landslides. The local authorities are still trying to access isolated villages, however, the rescuers are facing many difficulties from blocked roads and fast-flowing streams.77 households in Tam Chung Commune lost their houses to the flood, 65 are in Poong Village. According to the villagers, a huge landslide occurred at 9 am on August 30. 50 pupils at Tam Chung Secondary School heard the noise and were able to escape in time. The border guards in Tam Chung were all sent out to evacuate 100 people immediately. They also find shelter and food for the locals. Injured people were given first-aid or sent to medical stations.
Many areas in Muong Lat was isolated
They are also evacuating people in other villages including Lat, Suoi Long and Suoi Phai.Cao Van Cuong, chairman of Muong Lat People's Committee, said, "It is estimated that the road blocked by landslides will be cleared in 10 days. We now can only walk to Muong Lat's centre. The locals are being provided with rice. Their belongings have been swept away."
Only Muong Lat's centre had a mobile phone signal as of September 2. Many parts of the district still don't have electricity.