At least four people have been confirmed dead while seven remain missing after a strong flash flood that hit the two districts of Bat Xat and Sapa in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai this morning, August 5.
A suspension bridge in Bat Xat District was submerged this morning, August 5
An extensive search has been launched for the missing victims who have yet to be identified, according to the Bat Xat District's Department of Flood and Storm Prevention and Search and Rescue.
The office also warned residents to move to higher ground to avoid floods and possible landslides as heavy rains struck a vast area in the province during August 4 night and early August 5 and triggered flash floods across the locality.
Torrential rain upstream of the Red and Chay rivers over the past few days following Typhoon Nida have significantly raised water in the areas running through Lao Cai province to the highest levels this year, endangering those living along the rivers.
Water level at the Hong (Red) river running through Lao Cai Province has been raised to highest level since the beginning of this year.
Chairman of Bat Xat District People's Committee, Hoang Dang Khoa, said heavy rains and floods have also submerged over 100 houses and hundreds of hectares of rice and vegetable farms. Highway 4D running to Sapa and Lai Chau has also been closed.
