Local authorities are proactively preparing response plans for Typhoon No. 7.

(Baonghean.vn) – On the afternoon of October 16, Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung chaired an online meeting on responding to Typhoon No. 7 (international name Sarika) and floods in the North Central provinces.

At the Nghe An location, the attendees included: Nguyen Xuan Duong - Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; Dinh Viet Hong - Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; along with members of the Standing Committee for Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue of the province, and leaders of several relevant departments and agencies.

According to a report from the Standing Office of the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, as of now, the floods have caused 15 deaths, 9 missing persons, 18 injuries, 36 points on national highways flooded or affected by landslides causing traffic congestion, and 13 points on provincial, district, and rural roads flooded or affected by landslides causing traffic congestion…

In Nghe An province alone, the recent floods have claimed two lives, inundated nearly 2,900 households, and damaged over 8,000 hectares of rice, vegetables, and other crops.

Overview of the online meeting at the Nghe An location.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Duong, Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee and Head of the Provincial Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue, stated that the Provincial Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue has implemented numerous measures to respond to Typhoon No. 7. Specifically, over 4,000 boats and ships have been safely moored. Management units and traffic inspection forces, in coordination with local authorities, have organized road closures, traffic diversions, and marker posts to ensure the safety of people and vehicles.

Coastal boats in Quynh Luu take shelter from the storm (Photo: Viet Hung).

Currently, reservoirs are safe, and drainage pumping stations are operating at maximum capacity to ensure drainage for flooded areas. Hydropower plants are operating in accordance with regulations. Members of the Provincial Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue are on duty 24/7 to proactively monitor the situation and plan timely responses based on the "four on-the-spot" principle.

Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung requested that localities implement comprehensive measures to prevent and mitigate the effects of Typhoon No. 7.

According to the Central Meteorological and Hydrological Center's forecast, within the next 24 hours, Typhoon No. 7 will move westward at a speed of 20 km per hour. By 10:00 AM on October 17th, the typhoon's center will be located approximately 200 km east of the Hoang Sa (Paracel) Islands, with maximum sustained winds near the center reaching level 14, gusting to levels 16-17. This typhoon is considered to be of strong intensity and will have a wide area of ​​impact.

The Provincial Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Control has received the directives from the Government and is implementing effective storm prevention and control plans.

Concluding the conference, Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung requested that localities in the areas affected by Typhoon No. 7 regularly update information and proactively respond to the typhoon's developments. He emphasized the importance of evacuating people and property from vulnerable areas when necessary, ensuring the safety of lives and property for the people; and minimizing damage caused by the typhoon and its aftermath.

Mobilize forces and equipment to clear land and repair roads to quickly restore the transportation system; organize inspections of water reservoirs, especially those that are full, to ensure the safety of the structures and the population. Closely monitor the developments of Typhoon Sarika, and promptly inform vessels and ships operating at sea about the typhoon's location and development so that they can proactively take preventive measures.

Provincial leaders inspect flood and storm recovery efforts in Dien Thanh, Dien Chau (Photo courtesy of Van Truong).

Following the spirit of the Government's online meeting, the Provincial Steering Committee for Flood and Storm Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue has also instructed relevant departments and localities on the work of overcoming the consequences of the recent floods, as well as the plan to respond to Typhoon No. 7. This includes focusing intensely on effectively addressing localized flooding, environmental issues, and ensuring the smooth functioning of daily life and livestock production. The committee will continue search and rescue operations and provide assistance to ensure no one suffers from hunger or cold; and promptly reopen vital transportation routes. Localities with high water levels in reservoirs and dams need to ensure safe operation.

Regarding measures to prevent and mitigate the effects of Typhoon No. 7, localities and units need to implement them promptly, ensuring the safety of people's lives and property and minimizing potential damage.

Dinh Nguyet