Floods claim 100 lives in northern mountainous provinces

Hanoi (VNA) - At least 100 people were dead and 37 went missing while 27 other were wounded in northern mountainous provinces by late August 10 after heavy rains brought by tropical storm Kammuri triggered historic flash floods in decades.

The floods also damaged tens of thousands of homes, swept away thousands of cattle and submerged thousands of hectares of rice and industrial crops.

The flood levels in the three worst-hit provinces, namely Lao Cai, Yen Bai and Phu Tho, are still rising.

According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, more rains are expected from August 11, increasing the threat of widespread flash floods and landslides in the region.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and Chairman of the Central Steering Board for Flood and Storm Control Cao Duc Phat has been in the flooded areas to monitor anti-flooded efforts.

The Ministry of Public Security and Transport and Communications instructed their agencies to mobilise all forces and resources to cope with the floods.

The border guards from Son La to Quang Ninh provinces have also joined search and rescue activities.

Relief work in Lao Cai province is facing difficulties due to blocked roads.-Enditem