Nghe An province issues directive on responding to heavy rain, flash floods, landslides, and waterlogging.

According to news fromNational Center for Hydro-Meteorological ForecastingFrom July 7-8, heavy to very heavy rain is expected in the Northern and North Central provinces, with total rainfall generally ranging from 100-250mm/period, and exceeding 300mm/period in some areas. A flood surge is likely to occur in the upper reaches of rivers in the North Central region, with water levels rising by 3-7m; in the lower reaches, flood levels may rise by 2-4m. There is a high risk of flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas and localized flooding in low-lying areas along rivers, especially in Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Ha Tinh provinces.
To proactively respond to the developments of heavy rain, flash floods, landslides, and waterlogging, the Provincial Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue requests the Chairpersons and Heads of the Steering Committees for Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue of districts, cities, and towns; the Provincial Military Command; the Provincial Border Guard Command; departments, agencies, irrigation and hydropower companies, and related units to implement the following:
1. Strictly implement the contents of the Official Dispatch.Official dispatch No. 07/CD-TW dated July 6, 2021; Official dispatch No. 08/CD-TW dated July 7, 2021 of the Central Steering Committee on Disaster Prevention and Control - National Committee for Incident Response, Disaster Relief and Search and Rescue; Official dispatch No. 07/CD-BCH PCTT&TKCN dated July 6, 2021 of the Nghe An Provincial Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue.

Location and movement direction of the tropical depression. Photo: National Center for Meteorological and Hydrological Forecasting.

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

- Closely monitor developments and prepare response plans for heavy rain, floods, flash floods, and landslides; use all means to promptly and fully inform all levels of government and the public so they can proactively take preventive measures;
- Organize inspections and reviews of people's living areas, prepare response plans, and avoid being caught off guard when natural disasters occur;
- Be prepared with contingency plans to proactively respond to any situation; deploy forces, supplies, and equipment on-site to implement measures to ensure the safety of the people, especially preparing for the evacuation and relocation of residents in high-risk areas in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic;
- Be prepared with operational plans for drainage systems in case of heavy rainfall, to prevent flooding in urban areas and low-lying regions, and to minimize damage during heavy rains.
- Directing inspections, reviews, and preparation of plans to ensure the safety of mineral mining tunnels and mines, reservoirs and downstream areas, especially small hydropower reservoirs, critical irrigation reservoirs, and small ponds and lakes belonging to households; deploying permanent forces to operate and regulate water levels and be ready to handle any potential situations.

3. Northern Central Region Meteorological and Hydrological StationThe organization will closely monitor, forecast, warn, and provide timely information on the developments of heavy rain, floods, flash floods, landslides, and waterlogging so that relevant agencies and people can proactively implement response measures.
4. Department of Industry and TradeDirecting and inspecting the work of ensuring the safety of hydropower dams, especially small hydropower plants; inspecting the work of ensuring safety in mineral exploration and exploitation activities, preventing incidents that cause loss of life.

Border guards from the Cua Lo Port Border Gate Station assist locals in mooring their boats. (Photo: Thu Huyen)