Prolonged heavy rain, from November 19 to this morning - 20, caused water from Ha Thanh and Kon rivers (old Binh Dinh) to suddenly rise, causing deep flooding in Quy Nhon Bac ward and Tuy Phuoc commune, Gia Lai province. Many areas were isolated, tens of thousands of households were in dangerous situations. In response to the emergency situation, the armed forces of Gia Lai province mobilized maximum officers, soldiers and vehicles to evacuate people at night.
From about 10pm, the floodwaters rose rapidly, causing many streets south of Dao Tan Street and north of Hung Vuong Street to be submerged in water. It is estimated that more than 10,000 households were flooded, of which more than 3,000 households were urgently evacuated. People said the water rose too quickly, many families could not cope in time, and had to ask the authorities for timely support.
Military Region 5 said that the Gia Lai Provincial Military Command has deployed over 1,000 officers and soldiers to coordinate with local police and militia to approach each deeply flooded point. The working groups traveled by motorboats and specialized cars, using traffic lights and loudspeakers to call to search for people still stuck. The priority task is to ensure the safety of people's lives in conditions of heavy rain and strong water flows.
In many areas, floodwaters have risen nearly 2m, exceeding the level in 2009. In Luat Le village alone, the water level is about 1.5m higher than the historical flood peak, causing the area to be completely isolated. Rescue forces were forced to use ropes, life buoys and approach by motorboat to get people out of the danger zone. Many families lost their belongings and had their livestock swept away, but were all taken to safety by the authorities.
In particular, there was a case where a family of 6 had to go to the ceiling to temporarily stay at night. By dawn, the rescue team had promptly crossed the rushing water and brought each person out.
Ms. Tran Thi Xuan, Luat Le village (Tuy Phuoc commune) said: "At night, the water flowed strongly and rose rapidly, so the family of 6 could not get out and had to climb to the ceiling to sit. By this morning, the water was only 10cm from the ceiling, all 6 people were worried and confused. Fortunately, soldiers crossed the fierce water to go into the house to help each person out. The people are very grateful".
Up to now, the forces have evacuated 1,203 households with 3,649 people. Units continue to review flooded areas, support the elderly, children, women and organize the supply of necessities at evacuation points. Thanks to the urgent intervention of the armed forces and local authorities, thousands of people were ensured safety during the dangerous flood.
