PM Pham Minh Chinh Allocates VND140 Billion for Flood Relief in Northern Vietnam
Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has swiftly responded to the devastating floods in northern Vietnam, issuing Decision No. 2221/QD-TTg to allocate VNĐ140 billion (approximately US$5.6 million) for relief efforts. The aid aims to support four provinces severely affected by recent floods and heavy rains triggered by Typhoon Matmo.
The floods have left a trail of destruction, with nearly 17,000 houses submerged and over 1,600 isolated. The damage is extensive, with around 710 houses severely damaged. Authorities have been directed to prioritise the evacuation of residents from low-lying and riverside areas at high risk of flooding to safer locations.
The agricultural sector has been significantly impacted, with nearly 22,600 hectares of rice and crops affected. The floods have also claimed the lives of thirteen people, with seven others injured. Infrastructure has been severely affected, with 66 locations along national highways blocked by landslides and flooding, and the Hà Nội-Đồ Đăng railway line temporarily suspended. The National Civil Defence Steering Committee has urged proactive measures to combat extremely high flood levels on the Cầu and Thương rivers.
The Bắc Khê 1 hydropower dam in Lạng Sơn Province broke after a sudden surge in inflows, exacerbating the flooding situation. The total damage to rice and crops is estimated at over 22,500 hectares, with hundreds of thousands of livestock and poultry killed or swept away. The government's urgent aid is expected to support recovery efforts and assist affected communities in rebuilding their lives.
