The information was provided by Truong Cong Thai, Deputy Chairman of the People's Committee (UBND) of Dak Lak province, at a regular press conference held on 19/12.
According to Mr. Thai, the province recorded 113 fatalities during the flood period. Of these, twelve deaths were due to other causes such as old age or illness, while 101 people died directly from the natural disaster. This figure is significantly higher than the report issued after the floods concluded, which on 26/11, tallied 63 deaths and eight missing persons in Dak Lak.
"No one wishes for natural disasters. The province is striving to overcome the consequences and help residents stabilize their lives soon", Mr. Thai stated, also taking responsibility on behalf of local leaders before the people, the Party, and the Government.
Water reaching rooftop level in Hoa Thinh commune on 20/11, the area with the highest number of flood-related deaths in Dak Lak province. Photo: Nam Phat
During the press conference, many questions were raised regarding information dissemination, warnings, civilian evacuation efforts, and the management of flood discharge by the Son Ba Ha hydropower plant when the floods peaked. The Deputy Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee explained that flood discharge must comply with strict regulations. Regarding whether the hydropower plant engaged in "abnormal" flood discharge, he said, "The Ministry of Public Security is investigating, and conclusions will be announced once available".
During the floods, the Dak Lak Provincial Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Control reported updating weather conditions, discharge rates, and information to residents approximately every 30 minutes. However, prolonged heavy rain, isolated areas, and swift currents made rescue and response efforts extremely challenging.
Dak Lak authorities assess this flood event as the most intense and destructive ever recorded in the locality. The immense rainfall in a short period caused floodwaters to rise rapidly, far exceeding typical response scenarios, while some residents had not fully anticipated the danger.
The floods damaged hundreds of homes and numerous infrastructure projects across transport, health, education, and irrigation sectors. Agricultural produce and livestock suffered heavy losses. Total estimated damage approaches 7,000 billion VND.
Bui Toan
