Southern region suffers from flooding, tidal surges

Hanoi (VNA) – Flooding and tidal surges over the last few days have wreaked havoc in many localities of the southern region.

On October 5 morning, authorised forces of Binh Phuoc province had to urgently evacuate tens of households in Tan Dong, Tan Thien and Tan Xuan wards of Dong Xoai city due to sudden flooding.

As the floodwaters rose unexpectedly, many residents became stranded.

Chairman of the Dong Xoai municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Minh Binh said shortly after being notified, local authorities sent personnel to rescue the stranded residents. By 10 am, 53 households with 86 people had been moved to safer places.

He noted that although floods come annually, such a water level is the highest in 10 years, making it hard for authorities to respond.

Relevant agencies said non-stop downpours from October 4 afternoon to early October 5 had led to a strong influx of water from upstream areas, which in turn had resulted in rapidly rising water.

In Vinh Long province, tidal surges exceeding flood warning Level 3 since late September have broken many dyke sections.

On September 28 – 29, the floodwaters inundated 80ha of fruit trees and over 100 houses in An Binh commune of Long Ho district, the communal People’s Committee reported.

Chairman of the committee Nguyen Huu Phuoc said apart from assisting locals to address flood consequences, authorities have also examined and strengthened key dyke sections. 

The biggest concern of An Binh now is the areas adjacent to the Tien and Co Chien rivers, which often suffer from erosion. However, dyke reinforcement efforts are just temporary since the commune has yet to be able to carry out long-term work, he noted.

According to Vinh Long’s steering board for natural disaster prevention and control, search and rescue, tidal surges have caused losses of about 10.47 billion VND (451,000 USD) in the province. In particular, 329ha of rice, 360ha of fruit trees and other crops, and 8ha of fish farming have been submerged. Besides, 70km of roads, 1,786 houses, eight schools and 18 markets have been flooded.

The same situation has also been reported in other southern localities, including Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta provinces. The Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control has asked them to press on with settling flood consequences and reinforcing dykes and embankments to gear up against more tidal surges to come./.