A heroic policeman in Ha Giang Province rushed into a stream to rescue a family swept away by a flash flood on Monday, as heavy downpours battered several areas in northern Vietnam.

Phung Mi Dinh, 43, his wife Vu Thi Tho, 44, and their son Vu Mi Po, 19, were heading home in Meo Vac District around 4:50 p.m. when they encountered a stream swollen with rushing water due to erosion. While attempting to cross, Dinh got stuck, and Tho and Po were swept away.

Nguyen Manh Tuong, from the Meo Vac District traffic police team, saw the incident and immediately jumped to rescue the family. He first saved Tho, guiding her step by step out of the stream, then returned to help Dinh and Po. Tuong’s brave act was captured on camera and quickly went viral online.

Earlier on Monday at 3 a.m., floodwaters inundated 25 locations, affecting over 1,100 houses in Ha Giang, with some areas submerged up to two meters. Hundreds of police officers were dispatched to rescue people and protect properties. The downpours have resulted in three deaths due to flash floods and landslides, while over 1,200 houses were flooded, and 220 hectares of rice and crops were damaged. Around 18,000 cubic meters of rubble were washed down onto roads and highways.

As of Tuesday morning, five northern localities—Thai Nguyen, Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Ha Giang, and Cao Bang—have been affected by the flooding. In Thai Nguyen, a two-hour downpour on Monday paralyzed vehicles and jammed traffic.

Starting Tuesday, northern Vietnam is expected to have sunny days with temperatures reaching up to 35 degrees Celsius. However, widespread rain is forecast to return on Friday, lasting until June 17, primarily affecting the midlands and mountainous areas.