Deputy PM inspects flood-hit areas in Lai Chau province
VGP - Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung on Tuesday conducted an on-site inspection of the damage caused by flash floods, as well as search and rescue operations and recovery efforts, in Muong Than Commune of the northern province of Lai Chau.
Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung (center) inspects relief operations and post-disaster recovery efforts at Muong Than commune, northern mountainous province of Lai Chau, July 21, 2026 - Photo: VGP/Gia Huy
The Deputy Prime Minister was briefed by local authorities and relevant forces on the disaster's developments, the mobilization of personnel and equipment, transport conditions, the living conditions of affected residents, and the progress of recovery measures.
Visiting evacuated households, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung extended his sympathies and encouragement to families who had suffered losses of lives and property due to the flash floods. He expressed his hope that they would soon overcome the difficulties and restore their livelihoods.
He also commended the armed forces, including the military, police, militia and self-defense forces, together with local authorities, for their prompt presence at the scene and dedicated efforts in search and rescue operations, evacuating residents to safe locations, and assisting with disaster recovery.
Stressing that protecting people's lives and ensuring stable living conditions remain the highest priority, the Deputy Prime Minister instructed relevant agencies to urgently clear landslide sites, restore transport links, and reinstate electricity, water supply, and telecommunications services. He also called for a thorough review of areas at risk of landslides and proactive relocation plans to ensure that residents do not return to unsafe locations.
The Deputy Prime Minister also inspected the proposed site for a centralized resettlement area for households whose homes were destroyed by the disaster in Muong Than Commune. He urged local authorities to expedite all necessary procedures in accordance with regulations to ensure the project progresses on schedule, while paying close attention to construction quality, essential infrastructure, and living conditions so that affected residents can rebuild their lives as soon as possible.
Soldiers are building the centralized resettlement area for households whose homes were destroyed by the disaster in Muong Than Commune - Photo: VGP/Gia Huy
On July 19, the Lai Chau Provincial People's Committee issued an emergency construction order to establish a resettlement area for households urgently requiring relocation from disaster-prone areas in Muong Than Commune.
Under the plan, the centralized resettlement site will provide housing for around 24 households whose homes were destroyed by the disaster, with a total land area of approximately 10,000 square meters.
The project includes the construction of Grade IV houses and essential technical infrastructure, such as internal roads, water supply and drainage systems, electricity, site leveling, and other supporting facilities, with the aim of helping affected residents quickly settle into new homes and resume their livelihoods./.