Prolonged heavy rain causes a landslide in Kỳ Anh District, Hà Tĩnh Province. — VNA/VNS Photo Công Tường

HÀ NỘI — The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) has forecast Central and Central Highlands provinces are set to experience continued heavy rain.

On Sunday, a significant downpour hit the region extending from Quảng Bình Province to Bình Định Province, with typical rainfall between 150-250mm, escalating to over 400mm in certain localities.

Similarly, Thừa Thiên-Huế Province, Đà Nẵng City, and Quảng Nam Province were subject to rainfall levels of 300-500mm, reaching over 800mm in some areas.

Hà Tĩnh Province reported a more moderate rainfall range of 50-100mm, although exceeding 150mm in some parts.

This pattern was mirrored in Nghệ An, Kon Tum and Gia Lai provinces, where thunderstorms were also recorded during the late afternoon and evening.

Warning of natural disaster risk levels due to heavy rain, tornadoes, and lightning in Thừa Thiên-Huế and Đà Nẵng areas is level four (five is the highest); Quảng Nam level three; Quảng Bình, Quảng Trị, and Quảng Ngãi level two; Hà Tĩnh and Bình Định level one.

People should take precautions against flash floods, landslides in mountainous areas, and flooding for rice and agricultural crops in low-lying areas.

Heavy rain in a short period of time will also submerge urban areas.

The head of Weather Forecasting Division under the NCHMF, Nguyễn Văn Hưởng, said that currently, the low pressure system was moving from west to east.

The low pressure can become stronger and turn into a tropical low pressure causing strong winds in the coastal areas, affecting the work of boats and fishing vessels.

All ships and other activities at sea were at high risk of being affected by tornadoes and strong winds, he said.

Response work

To cope with natural disasters, the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control requests affected localities to continue implementing the Prime Minister’s official dispatch No 950/CĐ-TTg issued last Thursday on flood preventive measures in the central region.

Provinces and cities assigned forces to support people in overcoming the flood consequences, timely support food, and essential necessities for affected households.

Deputy chairman of the Quảng Ngãi People's Committee, Trần Phước Hiền, signed an urgent official dispatch requesting the provincial Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue, concerned departments, and local authorities to be on standby, prepare rescue forces and means in case they are in need.

They must notify ship owners and aquaculture farmers about weather developments to proactively prevent and ensure the safety of people and property.

The Quảng Ngãi Department of Education and Training directed localities and schools, depending on the flood situation, to proactively let students leave school.

Schools should review and inspect to move teaching and learning facilities and equipment in low-lying areas at risk of flooding to a safe place. — VNS