Prolonged heavy rain submerges many roads in Tam Kỳ City, Quảng Nam Province. — VNA/VNS Photo Trịnh Bang Nhiệm

HÀ NỘI — Central provinces have been working hard to deal with the intense rainfall that has persisted since last Wednesday.

The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting has issued a warning that over the coming two days, areas spanning from Nghệ An Province to Quảng Ngãi Province are expected to experience heavy rainfall measuring between 50-100mm, and even exceeding 150mm in some locations.

There's a level three risk (out of a maximum of five) of natural disasters from tornadoes and lightning in Thừa Thiên-Huế Province, Đà Nẵng City, and Quảng Nam Province. Meanwhile, Hà Tĩnh, Quảng Bình, Quảng Trị, Quảng Ngãi, and Bình Định face a level one risk.

From Thursday to the following Wednesday, the central region will see a reduction in heavy rain and thunderstorms, though there remains a possibility of tornadoes, lightning, hail, and forceful winds.

Rivers stretching from Thừa Thiên-Huế to Quảng Ngãi are on alert levels two or three, indicating a significant risk of flash floods and landslides in hilly regions, as well as potential flooding in low-lying riverside and urban areas.

In response to the situation, the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention has directed central provinces and cities to implement the Prime Minister’s Official Dispatch No 950/CĐ-TTg from last Thursday, which emphasises proactive flood responses.

Local authorities have been urged to provide timely support in the form of food and essential necessities to households impacted by the floods.

Coastal regions are advised to keep a vigilant eye on low pressure developments to ensure prompt response actions are taken.

The floods have so far claimed two lives, one each in Hà Tĩnh and Thừa Thiên-Huế provinces, and another person has been injured in Quảng Trị Province.

In Thừa Thiên-Huế Province, parts of several traffic routes, including National Highway 49B and provincial roads 1, 2, 4, 8A, and 10A, experienced flooding.

Similarly, Quảng Nam Province saw flooding on certain routes such as National Highway 14H and provincial road 615, with water levels between 0.4-1m. Presently, water levels are gradually receding.

Moreover, the floodwaters inundated 146.9ha of rice and agricultural crops and caused damage to 2.73ha of aquatic products across various provinces.

Preventive work

Quảng Bình Province requested districts to be on duty all day, closely monitor forecasts and warnings about low pressure, flash floods and landslides.

Localities must be ready to respond to situations that may arise.

They should ensure traffic safety on waterways, roads, and railways, promptly overcome consequences, especially national highways and north-south railways.

They are responsible for directing the operation of reservoirs to ensure safety in the downstream area, and strengthen dykes and dams.

The province moved residents to safe places, especially in Minh Hóa and Tuyên Hóa mountainous districts.

It also directed districts to have food, necessities and medical supplies reserves in case of long-term separation, especially in remote areas and areas inhabited by ethnic groups.

Updated instruction and information related to flood will be given to residents for preventive measures.

Students in Tam Kỳ City, Quảng Nam Province had to skip school on Monday to avoid flooding under the direction of the municipal Department of Education and Training.

Students will remain off school until the department gives further instructions.

During the absence, schools will advise parents and students not to go near flooded areas, not collect firewood, or catch fish in rivers and streams to prevent drowning.

The same work was conducted in Đà Nẵng City.

In Thừa Thiên-Huế Province, the provincial border guard command, maritime port authority, fisheries branch, and coastal information station notified vehicle owners and captains operating at sea of the low pressure to proactively avoid dangerous areas.

Contractors checked their projects, arranged signs and instructions to ensure safety for people and vehicles passing.

Irrigation and hydropower dam owners implement plans to be ready for emergency situations and guarantee the reservoirs’ work. — VNS