HANOI: The death toll from floods in Vietnam’s mountainous north has risen to 10, disaster authorities reported on Sunday.

Heavy rain over recent days caused flooding in the provinces of Son La, Phu Tho, Tuyen Quang, and particularly Dien Bien, leaving several communities isolated.

The agriculture ministry confirmed that 10 people were killed and seven others injured in Dien Bien province’s Tia Dinh and Xa Dung communes.

State media cited local authorities as stating that the rain was heavy from Thursday to Saturday, triggering flash floods.

On Saturday, helicopters were deployed by local authorities to access isolated communities and deliver basic necessities.

Residents were relocated to safe areas, while electricity and telecommunication services were mostly restored by Sunday evening.

Late July, similar flash floods resulted in five deaths in Son La province, causing extensive damage to crops and leading to the loss of poultry and cattle.

Vietnam is currently experiencing its tropical storm season, which often results in deadly floods and landslides.

Scientists have indicated that human-driven climate change contributes to more intense weather patterns, increasing the likelihood of destructive floods.

In September 2024, Typhoon Yagi devastated northern Vietnam, claiming 345 lives and causing an estimated economic loss of $3.3 billion.