Flash floods triggered by record-setting rains in the north-eastern coastal province of Quang Ninh has left 12 people dead or missing, according to the provincial Steering Board for Flood and Storm Prevention, Search and Rescue.

As of July 28, 828.1 millimetres of rainfall was recorded in Cam Pha city’s Cua Ong ward, 796.7 millimetres in Co To Island, 587.8 millimetres in Hai Ha district’s Quang Ha commune and 580.9 millimetres in Ha Long city’s Bai Chay.

The rains also caused substantial property damage, estimated at 200 billion VND (9.3 million USD). Eight houses collapsed, 2,835 other houses were flooded and 143 hectares of rice and crop cultivation areas were inundated.

Van Don district experienced the worst damage in the province, with 880 fishery cages and the Long Dinh reservoir being destroyed.

As pouring rains are forecast till the end of July, the Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee has asked relevant agencies and organisations to improve reservoir management while coordinating with localities to repair the damage.

Nguyen Van Doc, Secretary of the provincial Party’s Committee, requested localities deal with the flood’s severe consequences and provide urgent support for local households.

According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, a low pressure trough crossing the north of Vietnam has caused torrential rains with an average rainfall of between 30-60 millimetres since July 25.

The centre predicted prolonged heavy rains in the region and warned northeast provinces like Quang Ninh, Cao Bang, Lang Son, Bac Kan and Bac Giang of flash floods and landslides.-VNA