The rainy seasons of 2024 and 2025 have led to significant property and human losses across the province. In particular, the heavy rains from July 31 to August 2, 2025, caused substantial damage in the communes of Xa Dung, Tìa Dình, Mường Luân, and Na Son. Immediately following the disaster, the provincial People’s Committee issued decisions allocating emergency funds from the central government’s reserve budget, as well as contributions from other provinces, organizations, and businesses to help mitigate the effects of the floods. As a result, 244 households in the affected communes were relocated and resettled in seven new settlements with essential infrastructure.

However, approximately 790 households across the province remain directly affected by floods from previous years and still need to be resettled in safer areas. These households are located in high-risk mountain communes such as Na Son, Mường Luân, Thanh Nưa, Quảng Lâm, Mường Lạn, Mường Phăng, Mường Chà, Núa Ngam, Mường Pồn, Sáng Nhè, and others. These are all remote mountainous areas with weak geology, often subjected to landslides and flooding. Furthermore, the land available for resettlement is limited, and infrastructure investment is scarce.

In the Mường Pồn commune, specifically in the Pú Chả and Huổi Đia stream areas, large cracks have recently appeared on the hillsides, stretching 150 to 200 meters with a depth of about 1 meter. These cracks have widened following heavy rains, posing a high risk of landslides that threaten the safety of 12 households, comprising 51 people, currently living in the area.

The local authorities have carried out inspections, posted warning signs, and are closely monitoring the geological developments to proactively prepare for possible evacuations. They have also urged residents to remain vigilant against the risks of landslides and flash floods and to be ready to evacuate if necessary.

In response, Điện Biên has been implementing urgent resettlement projects under Decision No. 1660/QD-TTg issued by the Prime Minister. In 2024, the province received VND 200 billion in support from the central government’s budget to address the aftermath of typhoon No. 3 and the subsequent floods. The provincial People’s Committee allocated funds for 18 projects, three of which focus on resettling 74 households in the old Phìn Hồ commune and Mường Pồn commune.

These include a resettlement project in Phìn Hồ village (Phìn Hồ commune) with an investment of VND 14 billion, and two projects in Lĩnh and Mường Pồn 2 villages, with a combined budget of  VND 8.5 billion. The Lĩnh and Mường Pồn 2 projects have been completed, providing safe and stable housing for many households previously at risk of landslides.

Currently, the province is carrying out 12 other projects. Notable among them is the embankment project to protect rice-growing land and the Ten Luống residential area in Mường Luân commune, which has reached VND 1.7 billion  of the VND 7.291 billion total budget, or 23.3% of the contract value. The contractor has already delivered materials to the site, completed the levee embankment and access roads, and finished excavating the foundation for the embankment.

Other ongoing projects are also progressing, with infrastructure being gradually completed for residents to move in. Of the 18 projects with allocated funding, three have been completed, 13 are under development with approved technical reports, and two irrigation projects are awaiting evaluation. The total disbursed amount has reached VND 41.8 billion, equivalent to 20.9% of the target. The provincial authorities are pushing for rapid project completion to ensure full disbursement of the allocated funds. However, due to the challenging mountainous terrain and harsh weather conditions, many construction projects face delays, particularly in areas isolated by rivers or prone to severe landslides.

Despite the ongoing efforts, the demand for resettling vulnerable populations in Điện Biên remains large. The provincial government has submitted proposals to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and other central agencies to secure further funding for urgent resettlement projects in high-risk areas. Preliminary estimates suggest that approximately VND 775 billion is needed to resettle 790 households that require emergency relocation. This funding is proposed for inclusion in the 2026-2030 public investment program managed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Given the increasing extremity of climate change, with more frequent and intense rainfall, the risks to lives and property continue to rise. Therefore, proactive and long-term solutions are essential. The challenge is not only about relocating residents but also ensuring long-term stability after resettlement. In many new resettlement areas, people are gradually adapting to new living and farming conditions, but they still need time to restore their livelihoods. Alongside improving essential infrastructure such as electricity, water, and local roads, the province is focusing on supporting residents with agricultural development and shifting to farming models that are better suited to the natural environment.

Relocation and resettlement efforts are not just short-term responses to natural disasters; they are also key strategic steps in ensuring the sustainable development of Điện Biên.