Around 7h on 9/7, a large rock unexpectedly slid from the mountainside onto national highway 6 at Cao Pha slope, Muong Bu commune. The rock broke into several pieces, with one large fragment crushing the front of a car.

Only the driver was in the car. The driver sustained minor injuries and was taken to a medical facility for treatment. The incident caused prolonged traffic congestion in both directions on national highway 6, which connects Hanoi to the northwestern provinces.

A landslide rock hit a car traveling on national highway 6. *Photo: Muong Bu Commune People's Committee*

A leader from Muong Bu commune stated that heavy rain persists in the area. The commune is mobilizing machinery and equipment to break up the rock and clear the scene, aiming to reopen national highway 6 soon. Due to the immense size of the rock, clearance efforts face significant challenges.

The Vietnam disaster management authority reported that heavy rain over the past three days, influenced by a low-pressure trough, caused three houses to collapse and damaged 24 others. Additionally, 40 hectares of rice and crops, 76 hectares of fish ponds, and 17 livestock in Lai Chau suffered damage.

Regarding transportation, multiple sections of national highway 279 (Dien Bien), national highway 4D (Lai Chau), and provincial, inter-commune, and inter-hamlet roads in both localities experienced landslides, disrupting traffic. Authorities mobilized forces and vehicles to clear the landslide sites and assist residents in stabilizing their lives.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, from 7h on 8/7 to 7h on 9/7, many areas in the Northern mountainous region experienced heavy rain. The highest rainfall amounts were recorded at: An Phu (Lao Cai) 181 mm; Muong Gion (Son La) 162 mm; Muong Mun (Dien Bien) 147 mm; Pac Ma (Son La) 146 mm; Huoi Quang (Lai Chau) 145 mm; Khau Tinh (Tuyen Quang) 140 mm; and Chi Lang (Lang Son) 101 mm.

Risk of flash floods and landslides at 8h30. *Photo: NCHMF*

Soil moisture models indicate that many areas in Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La, Lao Cai, Tuyen Quang, Thai Nguyen, and Lang Son are near or at saturation. Over the next 3-6 hours, these areas are expected to continue receiving widespread rainfall of 20-50 mm, with some places experiencing over 90 mm.

The meteorological agency warned of a level one risk for flash floods on small rivers and streams and landslides on slopes in hundreds of communes and wards across seven provinces: Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La, Lao Cai, Tuyen Quang, Thai Nguyen, and Lang Son, within the next 6 hours.

Flash floods and landslides can threaten lives, cut off transportation, and destroy homes and infrastructure. The meteorological agency advises residents to limit travel on steep mountain passes and high embankment areas during heavy rainfall. Local authorities should continue reviewing vulnerable locations to proactively evacuate residents and implement response measures.

Gia Chinh