A heavy rain causing flood in Yên Bái on June 26. VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI The Prime Minister recently issued a dispatch requiring ministries, sectors and localities to get prepared for torrential rains in the northern region.

According to the National Centre for Hydrometeorological Forecasting, heavy downpours ranging 40-80 mm and even exceeding 150 mm in some localities are predicted for the region from July 2 to 4, with possible flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas, and flooding in low-lying sites.

In the dispatch sent to the Ministers of Agriculture and Rural Development, Natural Resources and Environment, Transport, Industry and Trade, Defence, Public Security, and Education and Training, and the Chairpersons of the People’s Committees of Cao Bằng, Bắc Kạn, Hà Giang, Lào Cai, Yên Bái, Sơn La, Điện Biên, Lai Châu, Hoà Bình, Phú Thọ, Thái Nguyên, and Lạng Sơn, he asked them to stay vigilant, keep close tabs on the situation, and carry out effective and timely response measures to ensure safety for both local residents and properties.

They must also step up communications work to raise public awareness of the safety measures, while evacuating people, vehicles and assets in dangerous areas to safe places.

They are requested to arrange forces and means to promptly launch evacuation as well as search and rescue operations in case of emergencies, and direct post-disaster recovery work in line with the legal regulations.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is asked to make forecasts and provide information for competent agencies in a timely fashion for the response work. Meanwhile, the Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development and Industry and Trade must join hands with localities to efficiently operate and ensure safety for reservoirs and agricultural production. VNS