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Seven bodies have been found and rescue work is still being carried out in Bac Ha District.
Tran Thi Hang, Vice Chairwoman of Bac Ha People's Committee said, "The flash flood happened at around 2 a.m this morning and swept through Nam Luc Commune. We have found three bodies three to five kilometres from the flood. Bao Yen District has just reported that they found four more bodies. Our people are going to Bao Yen District to identify and return the victims to their homes."
The flood was caused by a torrential rain, with 48.6mm in Bat Xat District and 51.6mm in Coc Ly - Bac Ha Commune.
Most of the victims lived near streams.
Hang also said that the authorities immediately responded with emergency aid.
This was the most devastating flood yet to have hit Nam Luc Commune, leaving the area isolated as roads were swept away.
Bac Ha District authorities have ordered police and military forces to conduct search and rescue operations.
Lao Cai Province will provide VND3 million (USD144) payments to the families of the dead and VND1 million to each injured victim.
The rain has stopped for now, but weather forecasts predict a return of heavy rains.
