Hanoi (VNA) – The Prime Minister has issued adispatch demanding ministries, sectors, and localities ramp up response to andsettlement of downpour and flood consequences in northern mountainous and midlandareas.

The document was sent to the National Steering Committee forNatural Disaster Prevention and Control; the National Committee for Incidentand Natural Disaster Response, Search and Rescue; the ministers of agricultureand rural development, natural resources and environment, construction,transport, industry and trade, national defence, and public security; and thechairpersons of the provincial People’s Committees of Lai Chau, Yen Bai, LaoCai, Son La, Dien Bien, Thai Nguyen, Bac Kan, Cao Bang, Ha Giang, Lang Son, BacGiang, Tuyen Quang, Phu Tho, Hoa Binh, and Quang Ninh.

Since August4, the region has recorded downpours with rainfalls of 100 - 200mm, even nearly400mm in some areas, causing flooding on small rivers and springs, flashfloods, and landslides in some localities and also resulting in human andproperty losses, especially in Lai Chau, Yen Bai, and Son La provinces,according to the dispatch.

The PMoffered condolences to the bereaved families and sympathies over the lossessuffered by residents in affected areas.

The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting predictedthat downpours will continue in this region from now through August 8, withrainfalls of 50 - 120mm, even over 180mmm, which will continue posing very highrisks of floods, flash floods, and landslides.

Given this, to ensure life safety and minimiseproperty losses, the Government leader requested the National SteeringCommittee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, the National Committeefor Incident and Natural Disaster Response, Search and Rescue, ministers, andchairpersons of the provincial-level People’s Committees in the region not tolower their guard, proactively take response actions, and quickly addressconsequences.

From August 5 to 6pm on August 6, downpours and floods caused10 casualties in northern mountainous and midland localities, including sevenin Lai Chau, two in Yen Bai and one in Son La, along with heavy property losses,reported the Standing Office of the National Steering Committee.

Facing that fact, local authorities have visited and offeredassistance to the families of those killed or injured in floods. They are alsoworking to evacuate residents in vulnerable areas to safer places.

Earlier, the PM had also issued a dispatch to request strong effortsto respond to floods, subsidence and landslides, and ensure the safety of damsin the Central Highlands region./.