Flash flood devastates Lam Dong province

Heavy rain caused the Da Huoai river to overflow on 13/8, sweeping away a pedestrian bridge, flooding dozens of homes, and damaging property.

Torrential rain beginning on the night of 12/8 caused water to rush down from the Da Ban forest area and Ta Pua pass, rapidly swelling the Da Huoai river. By early morning, the water had inundated homes along the riverbanks, reaching depths of over a meter and flowing with dangerous speed.

The pedestrian bridge over the Da Huoai river, swept away by the floodwaters. Photo: Hoai Thanh

The pedestrian bridge over the Da Huoai river, swept away by the floodwaters. Photo: Hoai Thanh

K'Hang Rau, a resident of Da Huoai 3 commune, recounted how the floodwaters surged into his home around 4 a.m. while his family slept. "The water rushed in; we had no time to react," he said. The four family members escaped unharmed, but their belongings and agricultural equipment were swept away, resulting in an estimated loss of 100 million VND.

In the same commune, some houses suffered cracked or collapsed walls, and a 50-meter suspension bridge leading to a production area was washed away. Landslides occurred in durian farms, while provincial road 713 and inter-village roads sustained damage.

Floodwaters unexpectedly inundate homes in Da Huoai 3 commune. Photo: Hoai Thanh

Floodwaters unexpectedly inundate homes in Da Huoai 3 commune. Photo: Hoai Thanh

Nguyen Van Trinh, chairman of the People's Committee of Da Huoai district, confirmed that there were no casualties. Nearly 300 people, including police, militia, and army personnel, assisted with cleanup efforts, helped residents search for belongings, inspected areas at risk of further landslides, and assessed the damage to provide aid.

Earlier, heavy rainfall had affected several areas in Lam Dong province since the afternoon of 12/8. In Da Lat city, 70 mm of rain triggered a landslide that engulfed a coffee shop, resulting in two fatalities. Several central roads in Da Lat were flooded, and one person trapped in a house on Lu Gia street was rescued.

The provincial People's Committee has ordered inspections of high-risk areas, preparation of evacuation plans, and suspension of construction work on unstable slopes.