Prolonged heavy rains cause flooding on Tông Đản Street, Hoàn Kiếm District in Hà Nội. — VNA/VNS Photo Phạm Kiên

HÀ NỘI — The National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control has asked northern localities to actively respond to heavy rain accompanied by tornadoes, lightning, hail and strong winds.

The request was released on Sunday, after the northern region experienced heavy rains over the past few days.

According to Hà Nội Sewerage and Drainage One Member Co. Ltd., the city has been seeing widespread showers with an average rainfall of 30-80mm. This figure went up to 100-140mm in the districts of Hoàng Mai, Long Biên and Thanh Trì.

Heavy rain caused flooding in several areas of the capital city from Saturday night to early Sunday morning, notably on the streets of Nguyễn Văn Cừ (Long Biên District), Trương Định (Hoàng Mai District) and the Phan Bội Châu-Lý Thường Kiệt intersection (Hoàn Kiếm District).

Hà Nội Sewerage and Drainage One Member Co. Ltd. is monitoring key pumping stations to lower the water level and ready their response in case of continuing showers.

Severe flooding was also recorded in Hải Phòng City and the provinces of Điện Biên and Quảng Ninh early Sunday morning.

Rain-induced inundation in the coastal Hải Phòng City also coincided with high tides, resulting in the most severe flooding since the beginning of the rainy season.

In the mountainous parts of Điện Biên and Quảng Ninh provinces, warnings have been issued for flash floods and landslides.

Heavy flooding also resulted in traffic congestion and crop damage in these localities.

The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said that the North would continue to see heavy rain, in some places torrential rain of up to 80mm and even up to 150mm.

The region might experience thunderstorms, tornadoes, lightning, hail and strong winds.

It also faces a risk of flash floods, landslides in mountainous areas and flooding in low-lying and urban areas.

To proactively respond and minimise damage, the national steering committee requested provinces and cities closely monitor warning and forecast bulletins and regularly notify and guide authorities and residents at all levels.

Localities must prepare on-site forces to assist people if necessary.

The northern region should also deploy security forces to inspect and review residential areas along rivers, streams and low-lying areas with high risks of flooding, flash floods and landslides. They must relocate and evacuate people when needed.

Localities direct specialised agencies to coordinate with local television stations and other information and communication agencies, especially at a grassroots level, to educate and instruct people on how to cope with rains as well as thunderstorms accompanied by tornadoes, lightning, hail and strong winds.

A number of reference documents have been developed by the national steering committee and posted on the website phongchongthientai.mard.gov.vn/Pages/Tai-lieu-truyen-thong-pctt.aspx.

At the same time, provinces and cities are responsible for frequently and closely monitoring weather developments and natural disasters, synthesising reports and sending them to the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control. — VNS