On the afternoon of 15/10, authorities from Bao Lam 3 and La Da communes are still searching for Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy, 48, who went missing after being swept away by floodwaters the previous evening. Thuy, temporarily residing in Da Mi 1 hamlet, La Da commune, disappeared while crossing a swollen stream.

The stream area where the woman was swept away by floodwaters in Doan Ket hamlet, Bao Lam 3 commune. *Photo: Chi Yeng*.

According to a report from La Da Commune Police, the incident occurred around 19h30 yesterday. Thuy and Nguyen Thi Sau, 50, were returning home from Bao Lam 3 commune when they encountered a stream in Doan Ket hamlet, Bao Lam 3 commune. The stream's water level was high due to heavy rain, prompting the two to hold hands and wade across.

Mid-stream, both women slipped. Thuy was swept away and disappeared into the surging water. Sau, however, managed to cling to a tree branch, eventually making it to shore to seek help.

During the night, authorities from both communes mobilized police, military, grassroots security forces, and rescue teams to search for the missing woman. These forces scoured approximately 5 km along the stream and its banks, but have not yet found any trace of Thuy.

Ham Thuan hydroelectric lake, La Da commune, Lam Dong province. *Photo: Viet Quoc*.

Nguyen Khac Hieu, Vice Chairman of La Da Commune People's Committee, stated that the victim might have been swept into Ham Thuan lake. Authorities from the two localities are expanding their search efforts into the lake area.

The stream where the incident occurred has a steep terrain. It originates from the hilltops of Bao Lam 3 commune and subsequently flows into Ham Thuan hydroelectric lake.

Tu Huynh