The lives of thousands of families in the north-central Vietnamese province of Quang Binh have been disturbed by large swarms of flies over the past month.

The insects have disturbed most of the daily activities of many people in Sen Bang Village, Hoa Trach Commune, Bo Trach District since October.

Flies can be spotted virtually everywhere and every time during the day, locals said, adding that the problem is most serious in the afternoon or whenever it rains.

“Countless flies enter my house whenever I open the doors or windows,” said Dao Thi Huong, a local resident.

Flies are spotted on the floor of a house in Sen Bang Village. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Cooking is also a challenge when the kitchen is overwhelmed by the insects, Huong said, adding that she had to use flypapers to deal with the issue.

“My three kids have suffered diarrhea over the past days, which must have been caused by the flies,” the woman stated.

Nguyen Thi Hoa, owner of a diner, said her business has been negatively impacted.

“Flies land on the food before my customers even start eating,” Hoa complained.

Countless flies cover a pot of rice at the house of Nguyen Trung Thong. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Nguyen Trung Thong and his wife are also victims of the fly swarms, even though they live on a pepper plantation quite far away from the residential area.

Thong said he had to apply all measures possible to trap and kill the insects.

Local residents have attributed the problem to a nearby cow farm project of the Hoa Phat Quang Binh Husbandry Company.

The fly swarms have appeared ever since the firm started spreading fresh fertilizer on the field to grow grass.

Fresh fertilizer is spread on the grass field as part of a cow farm project. Photo: Tuoi Tre

The same problem previously happened in early 2018 before the company initiated a large-scale fly control effort.

Tran Phong, director of the provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment, said he had not been aware of the incident.

A delegation will be sent to assess the situation in Sen Bang Village, Phong added.

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