In the wake of severe flooding caused by Storm No. 1, authorities in Quang Binh province have been intensively searching for multiple missing persons swept away by floodwaters in the districts of Minh Hoa and Bo Trach. The relentless downpour that began on June 11, 2025, led to dangerous river currents and flash floods, tragically claiming lives and leaving families desperate for answers.
On the evening of June 12, 2025, three women from Hamlet 3 in Tan Hoa commune, Minh Hoa district, ventured out for frog hunting, a common local activity. However, the heavy rains had swollen the rivers, and the floodwaters proved deadly. One woman managed to swim to safety, but two sisters, Ms. Trương Thị Đủ (born 1969) and Ms. Trương Thị Đức (born 1963), were swept away by the rushing water and went missing.
Search efforts began immediately despite the challenging conditions. On the morning of June 14, over 50 personnel—including police officers, militia members, and local residents—were mobilized in Tan Hoa. They divided into groups to scour the riverbanks and waterways in hopes of locating the missing siblings. The weather finally cleared that morning, and floodwaters had receded by more than one meter, improving conditions for the rescue teams.
Tragically, around 2 PM on June 14, the body of Ms. Đức, the younger sister, was found approximately one kilometer downstream from the point where she was swept away. Authorities promptly handed over her remains to the family, assisting with funeral arrangements according to local customs. The search for Ms. Đủ, the elder sister, continues with urgency.
Meanwhile, in Bo Trach district’s Nhan Trach commune, a separate but equally distressing incident unfolded. At approximately 5 AM on June 13, Mr. Nguyễn Văn Chức (born 1964) and his wife, Ms. Nguyễn Thị Ngắm (born 1963), went missing while setting fishing nets on the Dinh River. Their small boat was later found adrift without any sign of the couple. The turbulent waters and ongoing heavy rains complicated diving and search operations significantly.
Despite these difficulties, local authorities and family members persisted. Later on June 14, the body of Mr. Chức was discovered washed ashore about 150 meters from the Nhan Trach commune coastline, near Quang Phu commune in Dong Hoi city. The search for Ms. Ngắm is ongoing, with rescue teams expanding their efforts toward the river mouth and coastal areas to cover all possible locations.
The recent flooding in Quang Binh has been devastating. Besides the four people missing in Minh Hoa and Bo Trach districts, the province has been grappling with widespread damage to infrastructure and agriculture. The provincial government has directed local authorities to prioritize recovery efforts, including restoring rice and summer-autumn crop production that suffered from prolonged submersion and repairing landslides on national and provincial roads to ensure safe and smooth travel for residents.
Quang Binh is not alone in facing the storm's wrath. Neighboring Quang Tri province has reported three fatalities linked to the floods. Two people died in Trieu Phong district while involved in flood prevention efforts, and another drowned in Hai Lang district. These losses underscore the storm's severe impact across the region.
Local officials remain resolute in their commitment to rescue and recovery. The combined forces of police, militia, and community volunteers are working tirelessly, often in hazardous conditions, to locate the missing and assist affected families. The spirit of solidarity and swift response highlights the community's resilience in the face of natural disasters.
As the waters recede and the skies clear, the focus now shifts to healing and rebuilding. The search for the remaining missing persons continues with urgency, while efforts to restore livelihoods and infrastructure gain momentum. This tragic chapter serves as a stark reminder of nature’s power and the importance of preparedness and community support in times of crisis.
