Hundreds of homes in Tan Hoa commune, Minh Hoa district, Quang Binh province, have been submerged in floodwaters reaching depths of 0.5 to 2 meters following days of relentless rainfall. According to Truong Thanh Duan, Chairman of the Tan Hoa Commune People’s Committee, the commune’s location in a valley surrounded by mountains makes it particularly vulnerable to flooding.
Rising Waters and Proactive Response
Over the past two days, heavy rains have caused rivers and streams to overflow, inundating hundreds of homes. As of 10:00 AM today, over 400 houses in Tan Hoa were submerged, with floodwaters rising to nearly 2 meters in the early hours of the morning. This surge has completely isolated Tan Hoa from the outside world, and the water levels are still rising.
Local authorities issued warnings about the potential for heavy rain and flooding due to the remnants of Storm No. 4. Learning from past experiences, residents took proactive measures this year to minimize damage. They prepared essential belongings and moved their valuable possessions to floating houses, an innovative solution implemented years ago in Tan Hoa.
Floating houses in Vietnam
These floating houses adapt to rising water levels, ensuring the safety of people and property inside. With over 700 households in the commune, residents are accustomed to living with floods, and the floating houses have enabled them to respond effectively, minimizing property damage.
Widespread Flooding and Evacuation Efforts
Heavy and continuous rainfall has led to localized flooding and road closures in various areas of Minh Hoa district. In Hung Chau, the road leading to three villages inhabited by the Rục ethnic group in Thuong Hoa commune is submerged under 1.5 meters of water. Border guards and local authorities have deployed personnel to block off flooded areas and ensure the safety of residents.
Meanwhile, from the evening of September 19th to the morning of September 20th, heavy rainfall across Quang Binh province caused widespread flooding, submerging culverts and bridges and cutting off several villages. Landslides were also reported in some areas. The Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and the Civil Defense Command of Quang Binh province have evacuated 874 households (359 people) from high-risk areas to safety.
Flooding Impacts and Emergency Measures
Flooding has also affected Bo Trach district, where several culverts and bridges are submerged, making it impossible for people and vehicles to cross. Similar situations are reported in other districts, including Minh Hoa, Tuyen Hoa, and Le Thuy. Authorities have set up warning signs and deployed personnel to prevent people from crossing dangerous areas.
As of 11:00 AM on September 20th, floodwaters continue to rise, impacting 37 villages and affecting 600 households in Quang Binh province. Minh Hoa district reports 23 villages cut off and 538 households submerged.
Conclusion
Central Vietnam faces a critical situation as severe flooding continues to impact communities. The proactive response from residents and the coordinated efforts of authorities have been crucial in minimizing damage and ensuring the safety of those affected. However, the situation remains tense as floodwaters continue to rise, and continuous monitoring and prompt action are essential to overcome this challenge.
