Nghe An is preparing for a widespread period of intense cold and frost.

According toNorth Central Region Meteorological and Hydrological StationCurrently (February 16th), a cold front from the North is moving southward. Forecast: Around noon or afternoon on February 18th, this cold front will affect the North Central region.

Due to the influence of a cold front combined with a westerly trough at high altitude, from noon and afternoon of February 18th to February 21st, the North Central region will experience thunderstorms, with localized moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms in some areas. During thunderstorms, there is a possibility of tornadoes, lightning, hail, and strong gusts of wind. The warning level for natural disaster risk due to tornadoes, lightning, and hail is level 1.

From the afternoon of February 18th, in the North Central coastal region, winds will shift to the Northeast at level 3, and level 4 in coastal areas. From the night of February 18th, in the Gulf of Tonkin and the northern South China Sea (including the waters around the Hoang Sa archipelago), winds will gradually strengthen to levels 6-7, gusting to levels 8-9, causing rough seas with waves 2.0-4.0m high. The warning level for natural disaster risk due to strong winds at sea is level 2.

From the night of February 19th to 22nd, the weather in the North Central region will be cloudy.Severe cold weather and frost are widespread.High mountainous areas are likely to experience frost and snowfall. The lowest temperatures in the northern part of the region are generally 9-12°C, and in the midland and mountainous areas 6-9°C; in the southern part of the region, temperatures are generally 12-14°C, with some mountainous areas experiencing temperatures below 12°C.

In light of this situation, and to proactively respond to the severe cold weather, the Standing Office of the Provincial Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue has just issued a document requesting:

From February 19-23, Northern Vietnam and North Central Vietnam experienced a widespread period of intense cold and frost. (Photo: Xuan Hoang)

1. Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue in districts, cities, and towns:

- Closely monitor weather developments and promptly inform the authorities and the public; focus on directing the implementation of measures to ensure the safety of people, especially the elderly, children, and students; limit outdoor activities in cold weather; and absolutely prohibit the use of charcoal stoves for heating in enclosed rooms to avoid unfortunate incidents.

- Strengthen propaganda and guidance for livestock farmers on hygiene, reinforcing barns, providing shelter and warmth, and proactively stockpiling feed to ensure protection against the cold; implement plans to move free-grazing livestock back to enclosed barns when necessary to ensure safety; provide guidance on workDisease prevention and control for livestock and poultry., aquaculture. Refer to guidance documents and information on the website of the National Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Control.

- Proactively inform and guide visitors and tourists; place warning signs on roads prone to slippery conditions to ensure the safety of people and vehicles participating in traffic.

- Organize inspections, supervise, and guide people on preventive measures.

2. Department of Agriculture and Rural Development:Directing specialized agencies and organizations to guide localities on implementing measures to prevent and control cold weather and diseases for livestock, aquatic animals, and crops; developing and adjusting production plans and crop structures to suit weather conditions and developments.

These days, as temperatures drop in the highlands of Nghe An province, people in the border districts of Tuong Duong and Ky Son are moving their cattle herds from the hills back home to care for them, giving them saltwater to protect them from the cold. (Photo: Dinh Tuan)

3. Department of Health:Instructing people to implement measures to prevent and combat the cold weather in conjunction with preventing and controlling the Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring health and avoiding the risk of inhaling toxic fumes when warming themselves in enclosed rooms; directing grassroots medical forces to ensure the availability of necessary medicines and organize medical examinations and treatment for the people.

4. Northern Central Region Meteorological and Hydrological Station: TClosely monitor weather conditions, enhance forecast and warning bulletins, and provide them to mass media and relevant agencies for timely dissemination to the public and to support effective guidance and response to natural disasters.

5. Provincial Radio and Television Station, Nghe An Newspaper and other news agencies and press:Regularly update information and developments regarding the severe cold spell through mass media so that people are aware and can proactively take preventive measures.

6. Other departments and agencies:Proactively direct efforts to prevent and combat severe cold weather, ensuring people's livelihoods and production safety in accordance with state management functions and assigned tasks.