Residents in the flooded area of ​​Bich Hao proactively evacuate from the floodwaters.

Given the complex developments of rain and floods caused by the remnants of Typhoon No. 3 and the release of water from hydroelectric power plants, the people of Bich Hao commune (formerly Thanh Chuong district) in Nghe An province have proactively implemented preventive measures.

Clip: Xuan Hoang

Prolonged heavy rain has caused water levels in the Lam River and many streams and creeks in the area to rise, directly threatening riverside residential areas, especially in Bich Hao commune – which is frequently flooded during heavy rains.

Recognizing the risks of landslides and flooding, local authorities have developed plans and conducted awareness campaigns to encourage people to proactively implement measures to respond to natural disasters.

On the morning of July 23, Bich Hao commune banned the operation of Phuong ferry terminal. Photo: Xuan Hoang

Mr. Tran Hai Duong's family in Phu Lap hamlet - the lowest area of ​​Bich Hao commune - said: "Since last night, after hearing information from the commune's loudspeaker and local authorities, my family and neighbors have moved our belongings and property to the upper floor; we've raised beds, wardrobes, rice, and electrical appliances to prevent water from flooding into the house. As for the buffaloes and cows, we've also moved them to higher ground and are using the straw we had stored beforehand as feed."

Residents in the low-lying area of ​​Phu Lap hamlet, Bich Hao commune, are transporting their belongings to higher ground. Photo: Xuan Hoang

Not only Mr. Duong's family but also hundreds of households in hamlets of Bich Hao commune proactively "fled the flood" following the instructions of the commune's People's Committee. Along the main traffic routes, militia and commune police forces were stationed, placing warning signs at locations where deep flooding was predicted, and simultaneously prohibiting the operation of the Phuong ferry across the Lam River.

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Nhan, head of Phu Lap hamlet, the hamlet purchased two motorboats a few years ago, and many other households have also bought small boats for transportation during floods. On the morning of July 23, the hamlet's leadership urged residents in low-lying areas to quickly move their belongings to higher ground to avoid rising floodwaters.

Phu Lap hamlet, Bich Hao commune, prepares boats for transportation when floodwaters rise. Photo: Xuan Hoang

Mr. Nguyen Khanh Thanh, Chairman of the People's Committee of Bich Hao commune, said: "Right from the moment we received the warning of widespread heavy rain, combined with the large-scale flood releases from hydroelectric power plants, the commune activated the 'four on-the-spot' plan, directing hamlets to review households in low-lying areas and areas at risk of landslides to proactively evacuate them. The commune also prepared centralized evacuation sites at schools, cultural centers, and flood shelters with essential supplies, ensuring the safety of the people in all situations."

Flood shelters in Bich Hao commune. Photo: Xuan Hoang

According to statistics from Bich Hao commune, more than 300 households in 8 residential areas will be flooded due to the rising water level of the Lam River during this period.

When floodwaters rise, people need to go to flood shelters to ensure their safety. Photo: Xuan Hoang

Notably, learning from past floods, the people of Bich Hao have now raised their awareness of disaster prevention. Many households have built more sturdy houses with elevated platforms for storing food, and equipped themselves with lifebuoys and ropes to cope with sudden floodwaters.

In addition, the commune's disaster prevention task force also inspected the drainage system and canals to ensure smooth water flow.

This morning, the water level on the Lam River section passing through Bich Hao commune began to rise. It is predicted that this afternoon and tonight, July 23rd, the Lam River section through Bich Hao commune will rise even higher, flooding some residential areas. The People's Committee of the commune is continuing to maintain a 24/7 duty roster, preparing emergency evacuation plans to avoid being caught off guard in any situation.

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Source: https://baonghean.vn/nguoi-dan-vung-ngap-lut-bich-hao-chu-dong-chay-lu-10302956.html