In response to increasingly complex weather developments, the provincial and grassroots-level Command Committees for Natural Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue have activated response plans and are working closely with local communities to implement preventative measures, address the consequences, and minimize damage caused by natural disasters.

In early July, widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall was recorded across the province, with rainfall ranging from 40 to 100mm and exceeding 100mm in some areas. The rainfall triggered landslides that affected the homes of 30 households, submerged or buried 46 hectares of rice, disrupted transportation due to rock and soil blocking village roads, and damaged several irrigation structures and canal systems. The total estimated damage exceeds VND 4 billion.

In Mường Phăng commune, extended heavy rainfall buried over 3,000 square meters of winter-spring rice that was nearly ready for harvest. Landslides damaged one household’s residence and disrupted several inter-village roads. Immediately after the disaster, the commune’s disaster response committee collaborated with village authorities to mobilize local forces and rapid response teams to help affected households recover.

According to Nguyễn Trần Khánh, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Mường Phăng commune, the local government quickly relocated residents and their belongings from high-risk areas and erected warning signs and safety ropes at landslide sites. Repairs will be carried out once weather conditions improve to restore traffic access. The authorities have also reviewed and listed the affected rice fields for support. For the remaining undamaged crops, the commune has advised residents to harvest early, following the principle of “better green at home than ripe in the field,” to minimize potential losses from future rains.

On July 2, a heavy downpour caused a sudden landslide that completely destroyed the kitchen area of Vì Thị Ngoan’s household in Central village, Mường Phăng commune. Fortunately, there were no casualties. Immediately after the incident, the local rapid response team arrived to assist her family in moving belongings, clearing debris, and setting up a temporary kitchen to stabilize daily life.

Vì Thị Ngoan expressed her gratitude, sharing that local militiamen, youths, and neighbors responded promptly to help her clean up and remove debris. Her family’s situation has now stabilized, and once the weather improves, she plans to rebuild her kitchen.

In Thanh Nưa commune, prolonged downpours caused severe flooding in Na Hý Village, swept away part of the bridge connecting Giảng Co Ké and Nà Lốm Villages, and heavily damaged the adjacent road, isolating 220 households.

Chu Văn Bách, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Thanh Nưa commune, said that immediately after the incident, the commune directed functional forces to evacuate residents living near the stream to safer locations. Authorities also launched communication campaigns urging residents of Na Hý, Giảng Co Ké, and Nà Lốm villages to remain vigilant, monitor weather conditions closely, and take proactive measures to protect lives and property. Residents were mobilized to clear blocked canals and drain floodwaters from rice fields and crops, minimizing damage. Local “four-on-the-spot” forces were deployed to fix landslide-affected areas, gradually restoring traffic and ensuring stability in the community.

Even though Quảng Lâm commune is newly implementing the two-tier government model, with a heavy workload and many difficulties, the local authorities have proactively carried out disaster preparedness measures. Since early July, the commune has twice deployed teams to Huổi Lắp village to encourage residents to evacuate from high-risk landslide zones.

Nguyễn Văn Dung, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Quảng Lâm commune, explained that the landslide-prone area first appeared during the 2024 rainy season and now directly threatens 29 households with 151 residents. Previously, Mường Nhé district authorities had provided financial support for these residents to relocate to temporary housing. However, due to poor living conditions, such as a lack of electricity and water, many returned to their original homes after the rains. From the beginning of July, whenever heavy rains persist, the commune continues to send officials to urge residents to evacuate and avoid landslide risks.

Currently, nearly ten households in Huổi Lắp village have yet to evacuate. The commune is working with the village management board to continue persuading residents to leave dangerous areas, especially during this critical period of the rainy season.

Lý A Páo, Head of Huổi Lắp village, shared that some families remain reluctant to evacuate due to a false sense of security and the absence of alternative housing. The village continues to encourage these families to leave the danger zone to avoid sudden disasters. He also expressed the community’s hope that the commune authorities will soon develop long-term support policies so residents can resettle in safer locations and rebuild their livelihoods.

Being proactive in prevention, timely response, and efficient recovery is the key to minimizing disaster-related damage. As the rainy season reaches its peak, both local authorities and communities must remain highly alert, implement preventative measures, and prepare resources and personnel to respond effectively to all scenarios, ensuring the safety of both public and private lives and property.