Flash Floods in Bac Kan: Four Dead, Extensive Damage

Picture courtesy of VN Express

Heavy rain has led to devastating flash floods in Ba Be district, Bac Kan Province, resulting in four deaths, one missing person, and significant damage to crops. The deluge hit Tan Luot Village, Dong Phuc Commune, late on Saturday night after more than two hours of rainfall, sending floodwaters mixed with soil and rocks down from a mountain stream.

Lan Vy, a resident of the commune, described the usually low water stream that turned into a torrent, forcing villagers to flee as their shops and homes were swept away. By Sunday morning, the village road was littered with debris.

Another flash flood occurred in Yen Duong Commune around the same time, collapsing a house, killing two people, and injuring one more. Nong Ngoc Duyen, chairman of the district People's Committee, stated that rescue teams were dispatched to both sites to find the missing victims. The Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority is coordinating with local authorities to manage the catastrophe's aftermath.

This tragic event is compounded by earlier weather disasters, including a landslide in Lai Chau Province that killed five people. The region's heavy rains are attributed to a low-pressure trough and southeast winds bringing maritime air. In Yen Duong, over 215 mm of rain fell from Saturday night to Sunday morning.

The forecast remains grim, with continued rainfall expected to exceed 100 mm in parts of the northern region, raising concerns about more flash floods and landslides. Authorities have issued warnings for rainfall surpassing 80 mm in three hours, urging caution and preparedness in vulnerable areas.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-05-19