Northern Vietnam braces for heavy rain, flood and landslide risks
VOV.VN - Vietnam has instructed authorities in 18 northern and north-central provinces and cities to prepare for widespread heavy rainfall expected from August 4 to 6, as forecasts warn some areas could receive more than 300 mm of rain, increasing the risks of flooding, flash floods and landslides.
The National Civil Defence Steering Committee issued the directive on August 3 to local authorities in Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Son La, Lao Cai, Tuyen Quang, Thai Nguyen, Phu Tho, Bac Ninh, Cao Bang, Lang Son, Quang Ninh, Hung Yen, Hai Phong, Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An and Ha Tinh.
According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, northern Vietnam and the north-central provinces from Thanh Hoa to Ha Tinh are anticipated to experience moderate to heavy rainfall between the afternoon of August 4 and the end of August 6.
Rainfall is forecast to total 100-200 mm, with isolated areas exceeding 300 mm, mainly during the evening, overnight and early morning.
Before the main weather system arrives, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected across northern Vietnam, as well as Thanh Hoa and Nghe An provinces from the evening of August 3 to the morning of August 4, with localised rainfall surpassing 100 mm.
Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Ninh Binh, Phu Tho, Son La, Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Tuyen Quang, Thanh Hoa and Nghe An are among the localities likely to receive the heaviest rainfall.
Flood and landslide threats
Weather experts warned that thunderstorms could bring lightning, hail and strong winds.
Prolonged heavy rainfall is set to increase the risk of urban flooding, flash floods along small rivers and streams, and landslides in mountainous areas.
Some locations could experience rainfall exceeding 100 mm within three hours, raising the likelihood of localised natural disasters.
At sea, thunderstorms are forecast over the Gulf of Tonkin, the northern part of the East Sea, including waters around the Hoang Sa (Paracel) Islands, and parts of the central East Sea on August 4.
Strong wind gusts reaching 54-70kph and waves above 2m could pose risks to vessels operating in affected waters.
Authorities ordered to prepare
The National Civil Defence Steering Committee instructed local authorities to closely monitor weather developments and promptly provide warnings to communities.
Local governments were asked to review areas vulnerable to flooding and landslides, evacuate residents where necessary, deploy emergency response teams and prepare recovery measures.
Authorities were also instructed to restrict traffic at flooded crossings and landslide-prone roads, inspect construction sites, mines, reservoirs and hydropower facilities, and maintain emergency response teams on standby.
The committee also called for strengthened public awareness campaigns on disaster preparedness and round-the-clock monitoring throughout the heavy rain period.
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