An excavator is used to repair damage from landslides caused by heavy rains in Sa Pa Town, Lào Cai Province. — VNA/VNS Photo Quốc Khánh

HÀ NỘI — Northern provinces have seen heavy rains in the past few days, causing floods on the Thao River and inundation in Yên Bái Province, said the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control.

Heavy rain is forecast continue until Saturday with rainfall of up to 100-120mm.

The steering committee on Thursday sent a letter to local steering committees for natural disaster prevention, search and rescue in Lào Cai, Yên Bái, Phú Thọ, Vĩnh Phúc and Hà Nội.

To respond to floods and rains, especially high floods on the Thao River, the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control requested local steering committees keep a close watch on the rain and flood situation to promptly and regularly inform and guide local people on measures to protect themselves.

Localities were told to inspect dykes and plans to protect them, while also resolving dyke incidents that have occurred already.

The provinces and cities need to review and implement plans to ensure population safety, socio-economic activities in riverside areas, river banks and areas at risk of flooding and landslide.

They must be ready to organise the relocation and evacuation of people in dangerous areas to safety.

They should also strengthen inspection, review and ready plans to ensure safety of reservoirs and downstream, especially small hydropower reservoirs and irrigation lakes.

Along with that, concerned provinces and cities need to organise a task force committee, regularly synthesise and report on natural disasters and damage to the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control. — VNS