Typhoon Podul to make landfall in Nghe An, Quang Binh on August 30

The information was released during an urgent meeting held in Hanoi on August 29 that discussed measures on how to cope with the impending impact of typhoon Podul.

The gathering was held by the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention, Control, Search and Rescue, under the chair of Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) Nguyen Xuan Cuong.

During the meeting, Mai Van Khiem, Director of the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said the storm is expected to gain strength before hitting the provinces of Nghe An and Quang Binh.

The weather event will have wind speeds of level eight and nine, causing heavy downpours to batter the north-central and northern region on August 30.

MARD Minister Nguyen Xuan Cuong has requested that border guards co-ordinate efforts with local surveillance forces to call on ships to return to shore safely while localities have been urged to remain on high alert ahead of the typhoon’s arrival, which could make an impact on the provinces of Ca Mau and Kien Giang.

He also asked the local steering committee to inspect the anchoring of vessels and set up evacuation plans suitable for residents who are in high-risk areas.

Furthermore, facilities along the Gianh river in Quang Binh province need to be reinforced as the region had suffered significant damage in the past.

Localities have been requested to inform tourists and aquaculture breeders about the typhoon’s developments in an effort to ensure their safety.

In addition, inspection teams should co-ordinate drastic preventive measures alongside relevant agencies and localities to mitigate the impact of the typhoon.