Search and rescue operations are underway for two high school students who went missing after a swimming incident at the Bara Do Luong dam in Do Luong district, Nghe An province, on the afternoon of 22/6. The incident occurred when four students, aged 16-17, from Luong Son commune, went to the dam to swim and cool off.
Around 4 PM, while swimming, the group encountered a problem, slipping into a deep pool and struggling in the water. Local residents nearby quickly responded, rushing to the scene and successfully rescuing two of the students. However, Nguyen Van Thang, 17, and Tran Van Dai, 16, remain missing. Both missing students attend a high school in the former Do Luong district.
As of 9 PM, search teams, comprising authorities and local residents, were still actively looking for the missing students, with efforts expected to continue throughout the night.
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The area where the four male students encountered the accident. *Photo: Hung Le*
The Bara Do Luong dam, measuring 345 meters in length, is a vital irrigation project for Nghe An province. Its extensive canal system, spanning hundreds of kilometers, supplies water for agricultural production to numerous communes in the province's northern region. Despite its importance, the area at the base of the dam is known for its numerous deep pits and complex water currents, posing significant hazards.
Nghe An province is characterized by a dense network of rivers, lakes, and dams, which present numerous safety hazards. Annually, the province records dozens of drowning incidents, with children being the primary victims, particularly during the summer months.
In response to these risks, the Prime Minister issued a directive on 19/5 to enhance child drowning prevention. This directive urges the Ministry of Education and Training to promptly finalize a comprehensive swimming curriculum for students from grade 1 to grade 12. It also emphasizes the importance of equipping students with drowning prevention knowledge and skills, and coordinating student management during the summer break.
Duc Hung
