Thua Thien-Hue (VNA) – Deputy Prime MinisterTrinh Dinh Dung has required mobilizing all available forces and means tosearch for and rescue 30 people missing in connection with the landslides at RaoTrang 3 hydropower plant in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue. 

The Deputy Prime Minister made the instruction at a workingsession on October 13 with the search and rescue steering team stationed in PhongXuan commune, Phong Dien district, Thua Thien-Hue.

After receiving a phone call from a local resident about alandslide in the area of the Rao Trang 3 at noon on October 12, Vice Chairmanof the provincial People’s Committee Phan Thien Dinh sent a 21-strong team forsearch and rescue to the area, including local officials and military.

The team had to leave their cars on the road due to floodand continued on foot. They stopped at the Song Bo forest rangers’ office forthe night but at 0am on October 13, a landslide occurred, burying the housewhere the team were staying. Initial reports said eight managed to escaped, but13 are still missing, including 11 army officers and two local leaders.

Besides, 17 workers at the power plant are also missing.  The power plant is now isolated as roadsleading to the plant are blocked after flooding has triggered many landslides.

Thua Thien-Hue authorities and the Defence Ministry havesent military units and machinery to clear the roads leading to the sites ofthe landslides.

Two working groups led by Deputy Defence Minister Nguyen TanCuong and deputy head of the Government Office Tran Van Son have arrived at thesite to direct the effort.

The Rao Trang 3 hydro power plant is under construction./.