In the northern Vietnamese province of Son La, relentless heavy rains over several days have triggered devastating flash floods and landslides, leaving communities grappling with loss and uncertainty. As of late July 2025, the calamity has claimed six lives and left several others missing, prompting urgent search and rescue operations both within Vietnam and across the border in neighboring Laos.
The situation escalated dramatically following intense downpours that began on July 21 and culminated in particularly severe rains from the night of July 26 into the early hours of July 27. These conditions resulted in widespread destruction across several communes, including Chiềng Sơ and Mường Lầm in the former Sông Mã district.
According to local officials, the floods and accompanying landslides caused significant damage to infrastructure and agriculture. Two houses were completely swept away or collapsed, while 27 others required emergency evacuation. Approximately 110 hectares of rice fields were submerged or buried, alongside nearly 20 hectares of other crops such as corn, cassava, and fruit trees. The disaster also devastated about 10 hectares of fish ponds, washing away an estimated 35 tons of fish. Livestock losses were severe, with over 600 animals, including poultry, buried or swept away.
Communication and power infrastructures were not spared. Thirty-three power substations lost electricity, affecting 3,471 customers. Telecommunications suffered as well, with five Viettel stations and 78 VNPT 2G to 5G stations losing mobile service, compounded by broken fiber optic cables and 19 fallen telecom poles.
In response, Son La’s authorities mobilized a robust multi-agency effort. Approximately 300 personnel from the Defense Command Zone 2 – Sông Mã, fire prevention and rescue teams, local police, militia, and residents have been actively engaged in search and rescue missions. Their operations cover areas near where people were swept away and extend along the Ma River, which has played a central role in the disaster.
Lieutenant Colonel Lê Văn Quân, Deputy Commander of the Defense Command Zone 2 – Sông Mã, explained the challenges faced: "Three people remain missing in Chiềng Sơ commune, possibly buried by landslides caused by flash floods. Despite mobilizing many people and searching for many hours, the lack of heavy machinery and the vast amount of debris are hindering efforts." The local Party Committee has formally requested urgent deployment of machinery to expedite the search.
On July 27, the Prime Minister issued a directive focusing on mitigating the aftermath of the floods and landslides in Son La and preparing for future weather events. Meanwhile, the Son La Hydrometeorological Station continued to issue warnings on July 28, highlighting the slow receding water levels of the Ma River and the high risk of secondary disasters. These include landslides in low-lying river areas, destruction of bridges and culverts, localized flooding, flash floods on small streams, and ground subsidence in regions with weak soil structures.
The province's leadership has been coordinating closely with neighboring Laos, particularly Huaphanh province, to assist in the search for victims swept across the border by the Ma River’s currents. On July 27, the Chairman of Son La Provincial People's Committee sent Official Letter No. 4060/UBND-KGVX to the Governor of Huaphanh province, requesting cooperation in the search efforts. Initial reports confirmed that one resident from Chiềng Sơ commune was carried into Laotian territory near the old Song Ma border district.
Currently, three people remain missing due to the floods in Chiềng Sơ and Mường Lầm communes. Functional agencies from Son La are actively coordinating with Huaphanh’s authorities to locate the missing individuals.
On the ground, local governments are not only focusing on search efforts but also on humanitarian assistance. In Chiềng Sơ commune, for example, families whose homes were destroyed or severely damaged are being provided with temporary shelters, including tent houses constructed by military forces. Authorities have also been distributing food, water, and essential supplies to affected residents, while prioritizing sanitation and healthcare services to prevent disease outbreaks following the floods.
Mr. Nguyễn Thành Công, Vice Chairman of Son La Provincial People's Committee, emphasized the urgency of the situation: "The top priority now is to find the missing people as soon as possible. Secondly, we must urgently support families who lost their homes with temporary accommodations such as cultural houses or tent shelters built by the army. Alongside that, providing food, drinking water, and necessary supplies, as well as ensuring proper sanitation and healthcare for residents after the flood, is critical."
Despite some respite with sunny weather in areas like Chiềng Sơ, Muường Lầm, and other parts of the old Sông Mã district, there remains a pressing concern. Forecasts predict continued heavy rains, increasing the risk of further flash floods and landslides. This has prompted local authorities and rescue teams to race against time, intensifying their efforts to locate missing persons and stabilize affected communities.
Efforts to clear roads and restore transportation infrastructure are underway. The Son La Department of Construction has deployed vehicles to remove mud and debris blocking key routes, facilitating access for emergency services and aid delivery. However, damage to national and provincial roads from the heavy rains and floods has been significant, complicating logistics.
The human toll is deeply felt across the province. In Chiềng Sơ alone, six people have died or remain missing, including a father and son swept away by floodwaters, and a couple buried in their home by a nighttime landslide. Nearly 100 households have been affected by the floods, with many facing the trauma of displacement and loss of livelihoods.
As Son La continues to confront this natural disaster, the collaboration between local authorities, military forces, neighboring countries, and the community exemplifies the resilience and determination to overcome adversity. Yet, with the threat of ongoing heavy rains and unstable terrain, the coming days will be critical for the safety and recovery of this vulnerable region.
