Son La declares natural disaster emergency in five communes

The Chairman of the Son La Provincial People's Committee has declared a natural disaster emergency in five communes: Chieng Lao, Muong Bu, Muong Lan, Muong Chien, and Ngoc Chien. This decision follows six waves of heavy rainfall occurring between July 5 and August 25, 2026.

Extreme rainfall, with some periods reaching up to 525.8mm, has saturated the soil, significantly increasing the risk of landslides, flash floods, and inundation, particularly in mountainous areas and near rivers. The disasters have already damaged 396 houses and caused losses in agricultural production, damaged transportation routes, and impacted technical and public infrastructure. Notable damage includes landslides on National Highway 6C and Provincial Road 101.

Local authorities have been instructed to maintain 24-hour duty during rain and flood events to monitor weather developments and issue timely warnings. Emergency response measures include the “four on-the-spot” principle, focusing on evacuating residents from high-risk areas to safe temporary housing, ensuring access to food, water, medicine, and essential supplies, and establishing barriers and warning signs to prevent people and vehicles from entering dangerous zones.