Deputy Prime Minister Trần Hồng Hà at the meeting. Photo baochinhphu.vn

HẢI PHÒNG Deputy Prime Minister Trần Hồng Hà has urged immediate dike reinforcement and communication measures amid Typhoon Yagi, in a meeting with local authorities in Hải Phòng.

After receiving updates from ministries, sectors, and localities, the Deputy PM noted that Typhoon Yagi had intensified significantly, making landfall along the Quảng Ninh-Hải Phòng coast with winds reaching a force of 12-13. This development exceeded the initial forecast.

Bạch Long Vỹ Island recorded winds at force 13, gusting to force 14-15; Cô Tô Island at force 13, gusting to force 16; Đồ Sơn at force 7, gusting to force 8; and Cát Hải at force 6, gusting to force 9. By 13:00, the storm was expected to make landfall in Cát Hải (Hải Phòng) and Bãi Cháy (Quảng Ninh). This is a strong and dangerous typhoon, with its intensity increasing as it passes through affected areas, causing wind speeds and gusts to rise by two to three levels.

The affected areas include Nam Định, Thái Bình, Thanh Hóa, Nghệ An, and offshore regions experiencing wind levels of force 4-5.

Deputy PM Hà emphasised that Hải Phòng and Nam Định have several vulnerable dikes. In the event of complex issues, local authorities should report to the forward command post for immediate reinforcement. In Thái Bình, although the dike system is generally robust and designed to withstand the storm, it remains crucial to maintain vigilance through strict inspections and monitoring.

Currently, localities are experiencing strong winds, with trees falling and construction sites suffering damage. This has led to significant harm to both people and property. As a result, local authorities have imposed road closures and urged residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.

Localities with reservoirs for irrigation and hydroelectric purposes, which also serve a flood-regulation function, have been asked by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to ensure inspections and maintain coordination with military forces for flood control. The operation of these reservoirs must follow strict flood regulation protocols to prevent the risk of overlapping floods.

Deputy PM Hà highlighted that storm No 3 is dangerous not only due to its powerful winds but also because of the post-storm circulation. This could result in flash floods in island districts, mountainous areas, river and sea dikes, and small, steep rivers. He called for concentrated efforts to monitor rainfall closely and to use available tools to provide accurate information to villages, wards, and communes.

One critical issue the Deputy PM emphasised was the potential for power outages and communication disruptions. He noted that these could significantly hinder disaster response efforts. Therefore, preparations must be made early to ensure uninterrupted communication channels. The Ministry of Defence has been tasked with deploying forces and equipment to ensure seamless communication between provincial leaders, specialised agencies, and local governments.

According to the report from the Command of Military Region 3, 50,000 officers and soldiers, along with 600 vehicles, have been mobilised across the military region to stand by for storm response. Troops have already been positioned at key locations, ready to carry out their duties.

As of now, Bạch Long Vỹ Island District has reported that the storm has passed, though damage assessments have not yet been completed.

In central Hải Phòng, since 10am, strong winds have been knocking down trees. The city is currently experiencing very strong winds accompanied by heavy rain. Power supply throughout the city has become unstable, and there is a high likelihood of widespread power outages. VNS