The statement was made by Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai at a meeting with provincial leaders on October 7. On behalf of Party and State leaders, Mr Hai expressed sympathy with local people and praised the province’s efforts to cope with flooding.

Mr Hai said some districts are now submerged so there is a lot of work to be done, particularly environmental sanitation and disease prevention. He presented the province with 1,000 tonnes of rice and VND100 billion and asked relevant ministries to continue to provide assistance to the province.

Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Tran Minh Ky noted that while the consequences of the previous storm were still being dealt with the new floods wiping out when the winter crops. Releasing water from Ke Go Lake and Rac River to ensure the safety of the water reservoir caused further losses.

61 communes in 9 districts were submerged and isolated and all roads to Huong Khe and Vu Quang as well as other highways were 1-2m under water. 7 persons died and 1 is still missing, and nearly 27,000 houses were destroyed. Initial loss estimates totaled VND846 billion.

Provincial leaders have implemented strict measures to deal with the floods, and evacuate and rescue people from affected areas.