October 31, 2023: In the wake of persistent heavy rains in central and north Vietnam, disaster management authorities reported on Tuesday that three lives have been lost as homes are flooded, and roads submerged, painting a grim picture of the impact of the ongoing deluge.
Central Ha Tinh province bears the brunt of the calamity, with access to several communities severed and rescue operations initiated by the police and military to evacuate people from high-risk areas. Tragically, a woman and a 13-year-old boy lost their lives in the province after being swept away by powerful currents. A search is currently underway for a 29-year-old woman in Ha Tinh, according to the flood and storm control department's latest report.
The floodwaters have not spared hundreds of homes, crops, and sections of the national highway and railway that connects north and south Vietnam. This has resulted in significant disruptions and challenges for the affected communities, amplifying the urgency of rescue and relief efforts.
In the northern Cao Bang province, bordering China, a man met a tragic fate when a large tree fell onto his house amidst heavy rainfall.
Vietnam, accustomed to facing harsh weather during the rainy season from June to November, grapples with the recurring challenges posed by nature. The frequency of such weather-related incidents underscores the need for robust disaster preparedness and response mechanisms to mitigate the impact on lives and infrastructure.
As the nation mourns the loss of lives and assesses the extensive damage caused by the floods, authorities are actively engaged in providing aid, conducting rescue operations, and working towards restoring normalcy in the affected regions. The resilience of communities in the face of such adversities becomes a testament to the strength and unity of the Vietnamese people during challenging times.
References
https://mysinchew.sinchew.com.my/news/20231031/mysinchew/5095453
https://www.barrons.com/news/flooding-heavy-rain-kill-three-in-vietnam-af398800