Rain and floods cause serious consequences in Son La

ABO/NDO- Heavy rain, landslides and floods have killed seven and injured five while also causing extensive damage to infrastructure and crops in the northern mountainous province of Son La.

According to the provincial disaster management agency, prolonged downpours from July 23 to 24 caused serious flooding in many areas of the province.

It is estimated that flooding damaged nearly 1,200 houses and knocked down electricity poles, rendering more than 17,800 customers without power.

Search and rescue effort in Chieng Noi, Mai Son District.

As of July 25 afternoon, the Son La Power Company has restored power to nearly 16,000 customers.

Natural disasters also flooded nearly 1,900 hectares of rice paddies and 227 hectares of other crops and swept away nearly 7,500 poultry, 125 livestock and 183 hectares of fishing farms.

In addition, rain and floods inundated six schools and damaged roads, bridges and drainage pipes.

The Son La disaster management agency has asked local authorities to continue monitoring the rain and flood situation and stand ready to evacuate people from disaster-prone areas to safety.

(Source: NDO)