The floods caused considerable damage, including the loss of more than 13 lives, injuries to many, and hundreds of homes affected. Landslides, rock falls, and extensive flooding have obstructed key transportation routes, affecting thousands of people and damaging farmlands. With such severe consequences, it is critical to implement proactive measures to mitigate the impact of such natural disasters.

The fine line between life and death

In 2024, the province experienced 34 natural disasters that caused considerable damage, particularly in terms of human loss. A particularly devastating flash flood on the night of July 24 to 25, 2024, engulfed the border commune of Mường Pồn (Điện Biên district). The sudden and violent flood swept through villages such as Huổi Ké, Mường Pồn 1, and Lĩnh, wiping out everything in its path. In a matter of moments, dozens of lives and hundreds of homes were destroyed, and important infrastructure was wiped out, including Highway 12, which was severed and completely isolated.

The flood claimed the lives of 7 innocent villagers, while several others were fortunate to survive. The emotional devastation, with loved ones being lost, left behind an unhealable wound. Cà Văn Luyến, a resident of Mường Pồn 1, lost his wife and 13-year-old son in the disaster. The house they had built together was swept away, and all their belongings were lost in the floodwaters.

Luyến, holding back tears, recalled: “At first, we were alerted to the heavy rain, and I woke up my wife and son to stay safe. After the rain lightened up, we went back to bed, but the rain became heavier again. Suddenly, we heard a loud noise as landslides came rushing down, sweeping everything away. It happened so fast… Since that moment, I lost my family.”

Even though the rainy season has not yet reached its peak, Điện Biên Province has already recorded 5 disasters in May 2024 alone, with 2 injuries and damage to properties and crops. One of the most severe incidents occurred on May 20, when large rocks fell onto a house in Quyết Tiến village, Búng Lao commune (Mường Ảng district), causing panic. Four boulders, each weighing tens of tons, rolled down from the mountains and destroyed a warehouse, but fortunately, no one was injured.

Trần Quang Trung, the Director of the Sub-department of Agriculture and Environment in Mường Ảng district, stated: “After assessing areas prone to landslides, especially those with weak geological conditions, such as Xuân Lao, Ẳng Tở, Búng Lao, Nặm Lịch, and Mường Đăng, we have actively communicated with the community to raise awareness of the risks. We are ready to mobilize all available resources to assist families in moving their belongings to safer locations. For those who refuse the warning, we will take necessary action to ensure their safety and protect their property. Currently, we are conducting a geological survey in Quyết Tiến to determine the possibility of relocating households.”

Maintaining readiness and proactive response

As a mountainous province with complex terrain and numerous rivers and streams, Điện Biên is constantly at risk of natural disasters such as flash floods, landslides, and riverbank erosion. In light of this, disaster prevention and response have been prioritized as key tasks in the provincial government’s management efforts. Following the motto of “early action, proactive readiness,” various agencies have actively coordinated and implemented comprehensive measures, particularly focusing on the protection of infrastructure such as roads and bridges, especially critical highways like National Highways 6, 12, 279, and 4H, which are prone to landslides and damage.

Colonel Nguyễn Đình Quân, Director of the Traffic Police Division of Điện Biên province, shared: “Heavy rains may severely impact many roads, so our traffic police have already developed plans for early and preventive measures. We are enhancing patrols and monitoring on critical routes and ensuring quick response in case of emergencies. We work closely with local authorities to clear landslides and debris, even during the night, to ensure the roads remain open for the public.”

Alongside efforts to ensure road safety, special attention is also given to protecting irrigation systems and reservoirs. With 13 major irrigation reservoirs holding more than 66 million cubic meters of water, responsible agencies have coordinated to inspect and assess key infrastructure, such as dams, spillways, and drainage systems. They have also made necessary repairs and strengthened monitoring to ensure the safety of both the infrastructure and the surrounding downstream areas during the rainy season.

Lê Văn Thi, Director of the provincial Irrigation Management Company, emphasized: “We are conducting thorough inspections of all infrastructure, especially critical components such as dams, spillways, and drainage channels, to ensure their safety. We also have proactive maintenance plans in place, with funding set aside for repairs, and we are preparing all necessary materials and equipment as required.”

At the grassroots level, disaster prevention and response efforts have been vigorously implemented. Recently, the provincial People’s Committee issued a directive to reinforce measures to address heavy rain, landslides, and flash floods in accordance with the Prime Minister’s directive. Local authorities have been tasked with ensuring that all agencies coordinate effectively, with sufficient personnel, equipment, and resources, while media outlets work to increase public awareness and promote disaster response skills.