400 foreign tourists evacuated as rains flood northern mountains

Following torrential rains over the past three days, floodwaters submerged a 700-meter section of National Road 4C that connects Ha Giang City with the districts of Yen Minh, Quan Ba, Dong Van, and Meo Vac.

On Monday numerous groups of foreign tourists who rode from Dong Van to Meo Vac were stuck for hours as they could not cross the flooded area, Vietnam News Agency reported.

Eleven police officers and two buses were deployed to bring them to safety.

Situated 300 kilometers from Hanoi, Ha Giang, renowned for its thrilling mountain passes and twisting roads, is touted as a must-visit destination by backpackers who rent motorbikes to conquer the 350-kilometer so-called Ha Giang Loop.

Provincial authorities have asked travel agencies to stop all tourism activities that could be unsafe.

Since Saturday many places in Ha Giang have been hit by heavy rains, triggering flash floods and landslides that have killed three people.