Rain across the country until July 18th
According to information presented at the tropical depression response meeting this morning (July 15), Deputy Director of the National Center for Meteorological and Hydrological Forecasting, Hoang Phuc Lam, stated that at 7:00 AM this morning, the tropical depression was at intensity level 6.
Today, the tropical depression will maintain its intensity at level 6, then gradually weaken. It is expected that by the time it makes landfall, the tropical depression will have weakened to below level 6.
Representatives from the National Center for Meteorological and Hydrological Forecasting also stated that, based on cloud field distribution, the entire Central region and extending to the Northern region will experience rain until July 18th. Rainfall amounts will range from 50 to 100mm.
The risk of landslides is high in the southern Central Highlands, the mountainous regions of Central and Northern Vietnam, especially in Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Quang Tri, Quang Ngai, Ha Giang, Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Dien Bien , and Lai Chau...
On rivers from Thanh Hoa to Quang Tri, there is a possibility of a flood on small streams and upstream rivers at alert level 1. There is a high risk of flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas, and localized flooding in low-lying areas along rivers and urban areas.
Risk of significant damage
Pham Duc Luan, Director of the Department of Dike Management and Disaster Prevention ( Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development ), noted that although the tropical depression is not of great intensity, its potential to cause damage remains very high, especially posing a danger to ships at sea and the risk of flash floods and landslides.
Citing the landslide in Ha Giang that caused 11 casualties, Mr. Pham Duc Luan suggested that for roads that have been affected by landslides or are at risk of landslides, the Ministry of Transport should study options for traffic diversion and rerouting, preventing people and vehicles from passing through.
According to Colonel Nguyen Dinh Hung (Border Guard Command), due to the influence of the tropical depression, last night (July 14), due to strong waves and winds at sea, some ships sank; fortunately, the fishermen were rescued in time.
As of 6:30 AM this morning (July 15th), the Border Guard Command has counted and guided over 40,000 vessels with nearly 200,000 people on board, informing them of the storm's location and direction of movement to enable proactive prevention measures. Currently, they are continuing to maintain a duty roster and coordinate with local authorities to ensure the safety of vessels.
According to information from the Department of Fisheries, there are currently 26,578 hectares and 5,290 cages for aquaculture along the coast of provinces from Quang Binh to Quang Ngai. Also according to the Department of Crop Production, in Northern and North Central Vietnam, there are currently more than 1.1 million hectares of rice crops in the Summer-Autumn and Main crop seasons. The risk of flooding affecting crops is a serious concern if heavy rains persist.
The biggest concern is complacency.
Speaking at the meeting on the morning of July 15th, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Hoang Hiep acknowledged that forecasting is being done quite well. Short-term forecasts are becoming increasingly accurate. However, it is regrettable that the number of casualties has still increased by 30% compared to the same period in 2023.
Citing the landslide in Ha Giang that killed 11 people, where vehicles were traveling at night during heavy rain and landslides, Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep suggested that it is necessary to study restricting nighttime travel during natural disasters; if it is unsafe, then the road should be resolutely closed.
Regarding the tropical depression in the East Sea, Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep assessed that although the tropical depression will weaken before making landfall, the risk of flash floods and landslides remains very high, and the most worrying issue is complacency.
In the coming hours, Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep requested continued notification and urging of vessels operating in the waters of Quang Binh - Quang Ngai to move away from dangerous areas or anchorages. He also called for inspection and guidance of vessels anchored at ports; and proactive measures to prohibit maritime activities depending on the actual situation in the locality.
Focus on reviewing residential areas along rivers and streams, low-lying areas, and areas at high risk of flash floods and landslides to relocate and evacuate residents when necessary. Organize traffic control at flooded underpasses, areas with deep flooding, and areas at risk of landslides…
Regarding reservoir safety, Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep said that he is directing the Hoa Binh and Son La reservoirs to hold slightly higher water levels, ensuring both flood control and production needs. However, management units need to note that before releasing floodwaters, they must coordinate and promptly notify the authorities and people to avoid unfortunate incidents.
“From now until the end of 2024, there will be several storms making direct landfall in Vietnam, some even with extreme weather patterns. We are very concerned about the risk of damage from natural disasters, especially since floods are usually very severe during the Year of the Dragon…” - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Hoang Hiep .
Source: https://kinhtedothi.vn/ap-thap-nhiet-doi-dang-o-cuong-do-manh.html
