Heavy rain causes flooding on Bùi Xương Trạch Street, Thanh Xuân District. — VNA/VNS Photo Tuấn Anh.

HÀ NỘI — The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) has warned the northern region of Việt Nam to prepare for heavy rain and thunderstorms from Tuesday through Wednesday in the northern region

Most of the region will experience rain, sometimes heavy and thunderstorms, with some places experiencing downpours ranging from 40-70mm, and in some places exceeding 150mm.

The thunderstorms could be accompanied by tornadoes, hail and strong gusts of wind, while heavy rain in some localities and widespread heavy rain could potentially cause flash floods on small rivers and streams, landslides on slopes and flooding in low-lying areas.

On Monday, the Standing Office of the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control issued document No. 214/VPTT to the command committees for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue of the provinces and cities in the northern region, regarding response to heavy rain accompanied by tornadoes, lightning, hail and strong gusts of wind.

The Office requests the command committees for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue of the provinces and cities in the northern region to be proactive and closely monitor disaster and weather forecast warnings.

They were asked to promptly and regularly inform and guide local authorities and people to proactively prevent and mitigate any potential damage. Authorities should be ready to deploy local forces to support people should emergency situations arise.

Northern provinces and cities should use task forces to inspect and review residential areas along rivers and streams, low-lying areas, and areas at high risk of flooding, flash floods and landslides, clearing any obstacles and be ready to organise the relocation and evacuation of people when dangerous weather events happen.

Local authorities should direct specialised agencies to coordinate with provincial television stations and communication agencies, especially at the grassroots level, to inform and send the message out to local people on how to respond to violent weather in order to minimise damage. Certain reference materials have already been developed and posted by the steering committee on its website.

Additionally, localities should organise continuous monitoring of weather and natural disaster developments and regularly compile reports for the Standing Office of the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control. — VNS