Local police proactively respond to Storm Son Tinh

• Downpour hitting northern region, causing widespread flooding
• Casualties, missing victims from torrential rains, floods mounts to 63
• Ha Giang Police and donors support victims in flood-stricken area

Son Tinh storm, the third occurring in the East Sea (South China Sea) so far this year, directly devastated provinces from Thai Binh to Quang Binh from July 17-19. Water levels rose in the Red River, Thai Binh River, and Hoang Long River, along with other rivers from Thanh Hoa to Quang Binh causing widespread floods.

Local police proactively respond to Storm Son Tinh.

Heavy downpours last week caused flash floods, which have left dozens missing and caused serious damages to the Northern and Central provinces of Phu Tho, Yen Bai, Hoa Binh, Nghe An.... 

As of July 21, flash floods and landslides triggered by downpours in the past days in Yen Bai particularly, had left 24 dead and dozens missing. Floods also pulled down or swept away hundreds houses, damaged hundreds homes and submerged 1,000 ha of rice crops. Total damage was estimated at nearly 200 billion VND.

Meanwhile, authorities are on the search for 35 locals in Chau Binh commune, in Quy Chau district of the central province of Nghe An, who went into the jungle to harvest young bamboos but have not returned, losing contact with their families.

In Nghe An, the storm destroyed 1,000ha of farm land and industrial crops; 60ha of forest; 15,000 tonnes of salt; and 922 hectares of aquatic farms; while also damaging five schools..

Against this backdrop, hundreds of police officers and soldiers have been mobilized for rescue missions during the rains, flooding and landslides, as well as for supporting local people in overcoming the consequences.

The local police force is now working the whole day and night alongside locals to clear off mud, dirt and rock from roads, with the aim of helping the people soon return to normal life.

Police officers cleaning mud in Yen Bai province.

Police force provide relief aid to flood victims.

Police force provide relief aid to flood victims.

Police force provide relief aid to flood victims.

Rainstorms are forecast to continue throughout the day, with northern mountainous provinces of Son La, Lai Chau, Hoa Binh receiving the brunt of the downpours.