(VOVWORLD) - Subsequent heavy rains of storm Matmo have caused widespread flooding in Thai Nguyen province and other northern localities.
 Rain is forecast to continue in Thai Nguyen province. (Photo: VGP) |
Over the past two days, Thai Nguyen recorded heavy rainfall that reached 440 millimeters in some areas in just 12 hours. The downpour caused many rivers and streams to rise to alert level 3, surpassing previous flood peaks. Landslides triggered by the rain have paralyzed numerous traffic routes, and forced many households to evacuate.
According to local authorities, as of Tuesday night, at least 3 people had died and 3 others were missing. Many homes are under 1-2 meters of water, and several commune and ward centers are partially submerged.
Thousands of officers and soldiers of the armed forces of Thai Nguyen province, together with local authorities, have evacuated thousands of people to safe shelters.
Nong Minh Nguyen, Secretary of the Party Committee of Na Ri commune in Thai Nguyen province, one of the hardest-hit areas, said: "We are continuing to check on families and individuals who have not yet evacuated, and we’re working to persuade them to leave flooded areas to ensure their safety. We’ve set up warning signs and deployed forces to guard high-risk locations, particularly bridges, where people and vehicles are strictly prohibited in the interest of safety."
In Lang Son, authorities reported that more than 100 people were safely evacuated after the Bac Khe 1 hydropower dam broke on Tuesday.
The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting warned that, with continued heavy rain, widespread flooding in Thai Nguyen is expected to last for the next three to four days.
Bac Ninh, Lang Son, and Cao Bang provinces are facing a heightened risk of flooding in low-lying areas along rivers as well as in urban centers.