Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha visits Nam Dinh and Ninh Binh provinces, September 13, 2024. (Photo: Pham Kien/ VNA)

Lao Cai province, the hardest hit area, had 98 people dead and 81 missing, followed by Cao Bang and Yen Bai province.

On Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha and a working delegation visited Nam Dinh and Ninh Binh province to inspect the situation and direct the relief operation.

The Deputy PM stressed that the Prime Minister had directed that top priority be given to protecting lives and property, with a focus on flood prevention and dyke protection. He said large reservoirs should minimize their discharge and the dyke system should be kept safe to prevent landslides and minimize damage to agricultural production. Mr. Ha asked local authorities to help residents deal with post-flood issues such as obtaining clean drinking water, cleaning up the environment, and controlling diseases.

Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son worked with Cao Bang provincial authorities on Thursday to search for missing persons and ensure the supply of food, medicine, and clean water to isolated areas.