Flash flood risk lurks in the highlands of Bac Kan

NDO - After the terrible flash floods on the night of May 17 and early morning of May 18, widespread rain continued to fall in Bac Kan province. It is forecasted that there will be more rain in the coming days, so the risk of flash floods and landslides is still lurking in many highland areas.

After many months of no rain and dry weather, Bac Kan farmers are looking forward to rain every day to have water for production and reduce the risk of forest fires.

But after the drizzle of “golden” rain from May 10 to 15, from May 17 to May 19, torrential rains with an average of 76mm to 210mm caused flash floods.

In Ba Be district, where two flash floods occurred, killing four people and injuring three, the rainfall measured in Yen Duong commune was up to more than 214mm.

Flash floods also caused severe damage to people in Phieng Kham village, Yen Duong commune and Tan Luot village, Dong Phuc commune of Ba Be district.

Bac Kan mobilized more than 400 people, police officers and soldiers, and the army to actively carry out rescue work and support people.

Preliminary statistics show that thunderstorms and flash floods in the past two days have caused landslides, cracked walls, and sunken foundations in 23 houses; many houses have not yet been counted.

Regarding agriculture , more than 47 hectares of rice and corn were flooded and washed away; about 500 hectares of fragrant green squash were completely lost; 110 cows and ducks were killed and washed away; 3 tons of sturgeon were killed.

Many major roads were eroded and blocked; many electric poles were broken; many bridges and stream embankments were damaged.

Mobilizing machinery to support people in Tan Luot village, Dong Phuc commune, Ba Be district to overcome the consequences of flash floods. (Photo: TUAN SON)

The risk of landslides and flash floods has not stopped as it continued to rain throughout the night of May 18.

According to the People's Committee of Bac Kan province, there are many areas at risk of flash floods and landslides in the coming time. Cho Don district includes the communes of Ban Thi, Dong Lac, Nam Cuong, Quang Bach, Xuan Lac, and Tan Lap. Ngan Son district includes the communes of Bang Van, Coc Dan, Duc Van, Hiep Luc, Thuan Mang, Thuong An, Thuong Quan, Trung Hoa, Na Phac town, and Van Tung town. Ba Be district includes the communes of Bang Trach, Ha Hieu, Phuc Loc, Cao Thuong, Dia Linh, Yen Duong, Chu Huong, My Phuong, Quang Khe, and Cho Ra town. Pac Nam district includes the communes of Boc Bo, Cao Tan, Co Linh, Cong Bang, Giao Hieu, Nghien Loan, Nhan Mon, and Xuan La. Bach Thong district includes the communes of Don Phong, Sy Binh, Vu Muon, and Phu Thong town. Na Ri district includes the communes of Kim Hy and Luong Thuong.

The most dangerous thing is that it is very difficult to accurately predict the risk of flash floods and landslides because these natural disasters are always unexpected and often occur at night.

Faced with this situation, on May 18, the People's Committee of Bac Kan province issued an urgent document requesting sectors and localities to urgently direct the overcoming of consequences and stabilize housing for people affected by two flash floods on the night of May 17 and early morning of May 18.

Localities should review and prepare response plans for heavy rain, flash floods, and landslides; check and review residential areas along rivers, streams, and low-lying areas; and proactively evacuate people when situations arise.

Implement production protection measures; reinforce and protect aquaculture ponds; harvest crops and upland plants that are ready for harvest.

Notice to investors with construction works along rivers, on rivers, and in mineral exploitation areas to prevent floods.

Immediately check the safety of dams and reservoirs, especially vulnerable reservoirs and projects under construction and repair; arrange forces, materials and machinery to be ready to respond and handle any situations that may arise.

The Department of Industry and Trade directs and inspects the work of ensuring safety of reservoirs, hydroelectric dams and mineral exploration and exploitation activities.

The Department of Construction guides the organization of traffic and ensures traffic safety in landslide areas; ensures smooth traffic.

The Provincial Military Command and Provincial Police are ready with plans, forces, and means to support rescue, relief, and overcoming consequences when requested.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/nguy-co-lu-quet-rinh-rap-o-vung-cao-bac-kan-post880691.html