Heavy rain triggers landslide in Son La, forcing evacuation of nearly 400 people
Heavy rain from the afternoon through the night of August 5 triggered landslides and localized flooding in several areas of Son La Province, disrupting traffic and forcing 84 households, comprising 395 people, to relocate to safer locations. 18 localities put on high alert due to heavy downpours
On August 5, torrential rain unleashed landslides and flooding in various regions of Son La Province, compelling the evacuation of 84 households, housing 395 individuals, according to the Department of Dyke Management and Natural Disaster Prevention and Control under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. A segment of National Highway 6 near Chieng Pac Pass in Muoi Noi Commune was partially obstructed, with a vehicle partially buried in mud and rocks up to its doors. Nonetheless, no casualties were reported.
Muoi Noi Commune's People's Committee initiated an urgent evacuation of residents from three high-risk hamlets, i.e., Bon, Phang, and Lay, situated in vulnerable flood and landslide-prone zones. The relocation efforts were directed towards safe locations, where residents were provided with temporary shelter, sustenance, and potable water. As of the latest report, there were no reported casualties.
On August 6, local authorities conducted inspections in the affected regions, namely Phang Hamlet and Chieng Pac Pass, and provided guidance on recovery operations. Motorists were advised to adhere to traffic instructions, decelerate, and monitor weather updates. In the Tong Co area of Chieng La Commune, heavy downpour resulted in flooding that submerged rice fields and obstructed several local roads, disrupting travel and agricultural activities.
The Son La Provincial Police reported that heavy rainfall during the night of August 5 led to stream overflow, sending floods laden with mud, debris, and water onto National Highway 6 through Muoi Noi and Thuan Chau communes. This event disrupted traffic and impacted neighboring residential zones. Emergency response teams, comprising 60 officers and specialized vehicles from the provincial Fire Prevention, Firefighting, and Rescue Police, were deployed to the scene overnight.
Traffic police also diverted vehicles, erected warning signs at flooded and landslide-prone sites, and guided motorists onto safer routes. Police at the commune level collaborated with local authorities for identifying areas susceptible to landslides and flooding, facilitating the evacuation of seniors, children, and vulnerable households, and assisting in the relocation of property and livestock to safer zones.
By approximately 1:30 a.m. on August 6, the situation had stabilized, with emergency rescue operations concluded.
Written by urgent.news from SGGP English Edition's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
