Northern village remains flooded 11 days after rain

Over 200 people in Giang village in Son La Province’s Chieng Den Commune live surrounded by the wall of water.

A local said the water is not draining but even seems to be rising.

“Since 2020 the village is flooded whenever it rains. The water often subsides slowly, but this is the first time it has gotten so high.”

Ca Van Long, chairman of Chieng Den Commune, said Giang is a valley with the only way for water to drain being through karsts.

Every year rubble and soil from the surrounding mountains are washed down by the water and they have fully covered up the karsts now, he said.

“We have tried to dredge some of the canals, but it did not prove effective.”

The commune has contacted higher authorities to find a solution.

Elderly people and children have been moved to higher places, and drugs to treat skin diseases have been provided to residents.

They now face the threats of water pollution, disease and food shortage.