People in flooded area of Bich Hao proactively flee the flood

Prolonged heavy rains caused the water level on Lam River and many streams and creeks in the area to rise, directly threatening residential areas along the river, especially in Bich Hao commune - an area that is often flooded during heavy rains.

Clearly identifying the risk of landslides and flooding, local authorities have made plans, disseminated information, and mobilized people to proactively implement measures to respond to natural disasters.

Mr. Tran Hai Duong's family in Phu Lap hamlet - the lowest area of ​​Bich Hao commune said: "Since last night, hearing information from the commune's loudspeaker and local authorities, my family and neighbors have moved furniture and assets to the attic; raised beds, cabinets, rice, and electrical appliances to avoid water from flooding the house. For cattle, the family also moved to higher ground and used straw stored in advance for food."

Not only Mr. Duong's family but also hundreds of households in hamlets in Bich Hao commune have proactively "flooded" under the direction of the commune People's Committee. On the main traffic routes, the militia and commune police were on duty, placing warning signs at locations where the water was forecast to be deep, and at the same time prohibiting the operation of Phuong ferry across Lam river.

Mr. Nguyen Van Nhan - Head of Phu Lap Hamlet said that a few years ago, the hamlet had purchased 2 motorboats, in addition, many other households had purchased small boats to serve the purpose of traveling and transporting when the flood water rose. On the morning of July 23, the hamlet executive committee mobilized households in low-lying areas to urgently move their assets to higher ground to avoid the rising flood water.

Mr. Nguyen Khanh Thanh - Chairman of Bich Hao Commune People's Committee said: "As soon as we received the warning of widespread heavy rain, combined with hydroelectric plants releasing floodwaters with large flows, the commune activated plan 4 on the spot, directing hamlets to check households in low-lying areas and areas at risk of landslides to proactively evacuate. The commune also prepared concentrated evacuation locations at schools, cultural houses, and flood shelters with essential necessities, ensuring safety for people in all situations".

According to statistics from Bich Hao commune, the entire commune has more than 300 households in 8 residential areas that will be flooded due to the rising Lam River during this period.

Notably, learning from the experience of previous years’ floods, Bich Hao residents have now raised their awareness of natural disaster prevention. Many households have built more solid houses, with high platforms to store food, and equipped with life buoys and ropes to cope with sudden floodwaters.

In addition, the commune's disaster prevention team also inspected the sewer system and drainage canals to ensure smooth flow.

This morning, the water level on the Lam River through Bich Hao Commune began to rise. It is forecasted that this afternoon and evening, July 23, the Lam River through Bich Hao Commune will rise even higher, and some residential areas will be flooded. The Commune People's Committee is continuing to maintain a 24/7 duty regime, preparing emergency evacuation plans, and not being passive or surprised in any situation.