Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Nguyen Dinh Viet directs flood recovery efforts in Song Ma commune.
From 11:00 p.m. on July 31 to 11:00 a.m. on August 1, heavy rains in several districts of Son La and neighboring Dien Bien province forced Muong Luan 1+2 and Song Ma 3 hydropower plants to release water, pushing water levels on the Ma River to alarming heights. At Xa La Station, the water level peaked at 28,495 cm - just 33 cm below the historic flood level recorded in 1975.
The downpour triggered flash floods, landslides, and severe inundation in multiple communes including Muong Lan, Pung Banh, Song Ma, Chieng So, Bo Sinh, Muong Lam, Sop Cop, Chieng Khoong, Muong Hung, Chieng Khuong, and Huoi Mot.
Preliminary data show that 854 houses were affected, including 64 requring emergency evacuation, five swept away, and 772 inundated. Floods swept away one concrete bridge and three suspension bridges, and severely damaged another bridge. Landslides and blockages disrupted national highways, provincial roads, and local transportation networks. Power and communication systems were interrupted, while rice fields and other crops were buried or washed away.
The estimated total economic loss stands at approximately 365 billion VND (13.9 million USD).
Local authorities and residents clear mud from roads in Song Ma commune.
On August 1, the provincial People’s Committee declared a state of emergency to address the impacts of flash floods, landslides, and land subsidence, especially in communes along the Ma River. An on-site command centre was established in Song Ma commune, led by Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Cong, to coordinate response efforts.
In Anh Trung hamlet, Muong Hung commune, eight residents were trapped by rising waters. The provincial government requested helicopter support from the Ministry of National Defence to successfully airlift them to safety. Meanwhile, the provincial Fire and Rescue Police deployed over 30 officers and 200 meters of rope and life vests to rescue six people stranded in floodwaters in Quyet Thang hamlet, Chieng Khuong commune. In addition, 25 households were relocated to safe zones.
Officers from the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Division wash away mud and clean roads.
More than 100 officers and soldiers were mobilised to assist affected areas. Speaking on-site, Colonel Nguyen Khac Ngoc, head of the Fire Prevention and Rescue Division under the provincial Department of Public Security, affirmed the unit's commitment to helping residents recover and return to normalcy as soon as possible.
On the night of August 1, Vice Chairman Cong chaired an emergency meeting to assign clear responsibilities to all relevant forces, prioritising search and rescue operations along the Ma River corridor.
Soldiers from the provincial Military Command assist Song Ma residents in clearing mud after the flood.
Cleanup operations began immediately after water receded. In the center of Song Ma commune, hundreds of soldiers, police officers, youth volunteers, and local residents joined efforts to clean homes, businesses, and public roads, helping over 400 households and 350 market vendors. Heavy machinery, fire trucks, and sanitation vehicles were deployed to remove mud and debris, and restore accessibility.
Ha Anh Tuan, a soldier from Regiment 754, shared: “After receiving the deployment order, we moved quickly to the flooded areas. Witnessing the devastation to people's houses and farms motivated us to give our all to help them recover.”
Youth Union members support flood recovery efforts in Chieng So commune.
Residents, still shaken by the floods, expressed deep gratitude for the support. Pham Thuy Vinh, from Song Ma commune, said: “Although we tried to prepare, the water rose too fast. We couldn’t save much. Today, thanks to the rescue teams, our house is being cleaned, and we finally feel safe again.”
Nguyen Dinh Viet, Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, instructed local authorities to urgently assess damage and implement support measures. He emphasised the need for 24/7 response teams, environmental sanitation, and disease prevention.
Local residents clean up mud following the flood.
Thanks to rapid coordination, electricity and road access have largely been restored. Remaining isolated hamlets are being supplied with essential items such as instant noodles, rice, and clean water. The province has also activated contingency plans in anticipation of another round of heavy rain expected from August 4-7, emphasising the use of on-site response teams ("4 on-the-spot" model) for timely disaster management.
While the immediate focus is on stabilising lives and livelihoods, Son La province also recognises the need for long-term investment in infrastructure, housing, and agriculture to support recovery. Community solidarity and external resources will be essential to help the affected areas rebuild stronger.
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