In the wake of devastating floods that struck Điện Biên Province in early August, local authorities have launched an urgent response to rebuild homes and stabilise residents’ lives.
Trần Quốc Cường, Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, chairs an urgent meeting on Monday evening. — VNA/VNS Photo
An emergency meeting of the provincial Steering Committee for Social Housing Development was held on the Monday evening, connecting all 45 communes and wards to fast-track housing support.
The province has prioritised the construction of 80 new homes for families whose houses were swept away or are located in unsafe areas.
Two resettlement sites totalling 6.2ha in Xa Dung and Tìa Dình communes have been approved. Construction will be fast-tracked with military support to ensure safety and durability.
For households with repairable damage, provincial authorities will provide financial aid ranging from VNĐ3 million to VNĐ30 million (US$114–$1,145), along with technical guidance and access to soft loans from the Việt Nam Bank for Social Policies.
Điện Biên is speeding up efforts to eliminate makeshift housing, with 6,160 out of over 7,390 homes already completed. Over VNĐ272 billion has been disbursed, 67 per cent of the planned total, mostly from central funds.
So far, the province has supported 155 meritorious households, 1,328 poor families, and 523 ethnic minority households, with all programmes set to finish by August 31.
Provincial Party Secretary Trần Quốc Cường said VNĐ20 billion has been allocated via the Việt Nam Fatherland Front to Military Zone 2 to help build 80 houses for families who lost their homes or face high disaster risks.
Each new house will receive VNĐ100 million, while severely damaged ones get VNĐ30 million. Additional support will come from public and private donors.
Local authorities must quickly prepare land and essential infrastructure, restore schools and clinics, and ensure supply distribution by August 11. Communes must also draft emergency communication plans by August 7 and share resources where access is limited.
Soldiers from Regiment 82 assist locals in clearing debris and dismantling damaged homes to help restore normal life.
From July 31 to August 2, heavy rains triggered flash floods and landslides across Điện Biên, leaving 10 dead, 12 injured, and causing VNĐ500 billion in damage.
Over 550 homes were affected, 73 destroyed, 241 severely damaged, and 233 in high-risk zones needing relocation. Na Son, Tìa Dình and Xa Dung were hardest hit, with Xa Dung alone losing 35 houses.
Authorities quickly mobilised police, military, and mass organisations to evacuate residents, provide temporary shelters and deliver essential supplies.