On the morning of 17/7, swift currents covered national highway 32 in Ban Chit, Muong Than commune, rendering it impassable for vehicles. Several households found themselves surrounded by rising floodwaters, necessitating assistance from authorities to move people and property to safety. Tran Linh Chi, a resident of Team 9, Muong Than commune, reported never witnessing such severe flooding. The relentless rain continues, with floodwaters still rising, reaching over one meter in some areas and sweeping away soil, rocks, trees, and residents' belongings.

Lai Chau Provincial Police confirmed that heavy rain triggered flash floods and landslides at multiple points along national highway 32, particularly in Pac Ta and Muong Than communes, completely blocking the route. Hamlets such as Che Bo, Team 11, and Nam Sang saw roads inundated by floodwaters and debris, paralyzing traffic. Authorities face challenges in fully assessing the damage and the number of affected individuals, as many areas remain cut off.

Motorcycles swept away in Muong Than commune, morning of 17/7. Photo: *Muong Than Commune People's Committee*

In response to the crisis, Lai Chau Provincial Police mobilized over 200 officials and soldiers. The Mobile Police Department deployed three oto, 50 lifebuoys, 70 life jackets, and one heavy-duty unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) for rescue operations.

At the scene, personnel assisted residents in evacuating from deeply flooded zones, transported valuables to secure locations, and managed traffic by establishing warning checkpoints in inundated areas and at landslide-prone sites.

Traffic Police Team 3, working with commune police and road management units, regulated traffic to prevent entry into hazardous areas and coordinated disaster recovery efforts.

Lai Chau Provincial Police mobilized hundreds of personnel for the response. Photo: *Lai Chau Provincial Police*

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported significant rainfall across Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La, and Lao Cai provinces over the past 24 hours. Specific areas recorded exceptionally high precipitation, including: Phuc Than (Lai Chau) 206 mm, Sin Chai (Dien Bien) 141 mm, Nam Pam (Son La) 272 mm, and Che Tao (Lao Cai) 305 mm. Soil moisture in many regions has reached or is nearing saturation, heightening the risk of flash floods and landslides.

The meteorological agency predicts continued rainfall of 20-40 mm in the Northwest region over the next 3-6 hours, with some localities experiencing over 90 mm. Consequently, the risk of flash floods on small rivers and streams and landslides on slopes remains high across numerous areas in Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La, and Lao Cai provinces.

In Lai Chau province, communes specifically under warning include: Bum Nua, Khoen On, Muong Kim, Muong Than, Nam So, Pac Ta, Than Uyen, Binh Lu, Dao San, Hua Bum, Khong Lao, Le Loi, Nam Cuoi, Ta Leng, Tan Uyen, Ban Bo, Hong Thu, Khun Ha, Muong Khoa, Nam Hang, Nam Ma, Pa Tan, Pu Sam Cap, Si Lo Lau, and Tua Sin Chai.

Gia Chinh