Vietnamese authorities are boosting preparations in 13 provinces and cities as several days of heavy rain are expected to bring risks of flooding, flash floods, and landslides.
The National Civil Defense Steering Committee has directed local authorities from northwest Son La Province to north-central Ha Tinh Province to prepare for prolonged heavy rain and related hazards, VietNamNet Global reported.
Weather and rainfall outlook
The National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting said the southern Red River Delta, southern Phu Tho Province, and areas from Thanh Hoa Province to Nghe An Province are likely to see heavy to extremely heavy rain and thunderstorms from September 14 to September 15.
Rainfall in these areas is forecast at 150-300 millimeters, with some areas surpassing 450mm.
Other parts of the Red River Delta and Ha Tinh Province are expected to experience moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms, with rainfall reaching 100-180 mm and locally exceeding 250mm.
From the afternoon of September 14 through the night of September 15, moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms are also forecast in the northern midlands, northern Phu Tho Province, and southern areas of Tuyen Quang Province, Lao Cai Province, and Son La Province.
Rainfall in these areas could reach 50-100 mm, with some areas exceeding 150mm.
On September 16, moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected across the northern midlands, Red River Delta, Phu Tho Province, Thanh Hoa Province, Nghe An Province, and southern parts of Son La Province, Tuyen Quang Province, and Lao Cai Province.
Rainfall in these areas is forecast at 20-40mm, with localized totals above 70mm.
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Preparing for weather risks
The steering committee has asked local authorities to closely monitor weather forecasts and warnings, and prepare for heavy rain, flooding, flash floods, landslides, strong winds, lightning, and hail, according to the report.
Local authorities must quickly relay warnings to grassroots officials and residents and deploy emergency teams to inspect high-risk areas.
They were also told to prepare for the relocation or evacuation of people living near rivers and streams, in low-lying areas, and in locations vulnerable to deep flooding, flash floods, and landslides.
Local authorities were instructed to clear waterways, maintain emergency personnel on standby, and ensure teams can provide assistance and respond quickly to incidents.
Personnel must also monitor and regulate traffic at flooded crossings, spillways, and roads with deep or fast-flowing water, as well as areas affected by or at risk of landslides.
Equipment, materials, and personnel are to be stationed in advance to handle emergencies, keep major transport routes operating, and prevent flooding in urban areas and industrial zones.
Patrols and inspections
Provincial and municipal authorities were further ordered to inspect mines and tunnels, construction sites, reservoirs, and downstream areas, especially small hydropower and irrigation reservoirs and other vulnerable facilities.
Patrols and inspections along dike systems are also to be strengthened throughout the rainy season to ensure problems are identified and addressed at an early stage.
The steering committee called for stronger public communication through local information channels, providing residents with timely updates and guidance on responding to heavy rain, flooding, flash floods, and landslides.
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