At around 3:00 p.m. on August 1, the Search and Rescue Department received an urgent report from the Operations Watch Office of the General Staff and Military Region 2 that eight people had been trapped by floodwaters in Anh Trung hamlet, Muong Hung commune.

The department coordinated with the Air Defence-Air Force Service and Corps 18 to prepare a helicopter and airborne rescue forces for immediate deployment. Upon receiving approval from the Chief of the General Staff and the Minister of National Defence, helicopter VN-8624 was deployed by Corps 18, taking off at 3:54 p.m. and expected to arrive at the scene around 4:50 p.m.

According to Military Region 2, heavy rainfall between the night of July 31 and the morning of August 1 triggered flash floods and landslides across Son La province, causing significant damage. Floodwaters inundated several areas in Pung Banh and Muong Lan communes, though damage is still being assessed. In Lang Chieu hamlet of Ta Xua commune, a 26-meter landslide affected two households and a kindergarten. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.

Local militia forces have been mobilized to begin clearing the debris.

In response to the situation, the Search and Rescue Department issued an urgent directive instructing Military Region 2 to direct the Son La provincial military command to advise local authorities, monitor weather developments, and inspect high-risk areas. Authorities were also told to report immediately on any new emergencies.

Search and rescue forces were ordered to continue finding missing persons, provide medical care to the injured, and support recovery efforts, while ensuring absolute safety for personnel and equipment involved in the mission.

Military Region 2 was also tasked with reporting on recovery progress to the General Staff and the Search and Rescue Department for continued monitoring and direction.

Flash floods and landslides devastate Northern Vietnam

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Flash floods and landslides wreak havoc across central Vietnam

VOV.VN - Subsequent flash floods and landslides caused by heavy rain have hit parts of central Vietnam over the past few days, creating havoc for people in many localities such as Nghe An and Ha Tinh.