Lai Chau, July 17 -- The People's Committee of the northern mountainous province of Lai Chau has declared a state of emergency in response to natural disasters caused by prolonged heavy rainfall in Muong Than commune and at a landslide site that cut off a section of National Highway 12 in Le Loi commune. From July 15 to 17, widespread and persistent heavy rain triggered flash floods and landslides across the province, causing severe damage to public property and private assets. According to the latest report from the provincial People's Committee, as of 3:30 p.m. on July 17, the disasters had left one person dead, two injured, while five others remained missing. The flooding also caused extensive property damage. In Muong Than, flash floo...