Prolonged heavy rains from July 31 to this morning, August 1, triggered flash floods, mudslides, and landslides across Dien Bien with Xa Dung, Na Son, Tia Dinh, Muong Luan and Phinh Giang communes being hardest hit.
At least three people have been killed by flash floods, meanwhile, nine others remain missing.
Many areas in Dien Bien severely hit by floods (Photo by An Ninh Dien Bien)
Floods have swept away or isolated dozens of houses in Hang Xu Pi Village in Xa Dung Commune.
In Suoi Nu Village, Na Son Commune, floods have inundated six households and water levels continue to rise. Rescue teams have been unable to access the area due to road blockages brought about by floodwaters and landslides.
In Huoi Co Village, Phinh Giang Commune, floods have also affected 60 households. The access road is blocked, leaving the village completely isolated.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has urged Dien Bien Province People's Committee to take direct command and urgently deploy all necessary personnel and resources to swiftly access areas hit by landslides and flash floods, ensuring timely support for affected residents in recovering from the disaster.
The prime minister instructed the ministers of defence and public security to mobilise local military and police forces to coordinate Dien Bien authorities in urgently searching for the missing and supporting affected residents.