Nghe An is ready to respond to Typhoon CONSON and heavy rain.

According to a bulletin from the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, a storm is currently appearing in the southeastern waters of the Philippines.stormWith wind speeds reaching level 8 and gusts up to level 10, CONSON is forecast to enter the northern part of the South China Sea between the night of September 8th and September 9th, and is likely to intensify further.

In addition, according to the forecast of the North Central Region Meteorological and Hydrological Station, due to the influence of the northern edge.low pressure troughWith the axis passing through the Central Central region combined with a strong southeast wind zone on the western edge of the subtropical high-pressure system, from the night of September 7th to the end of September 9th, the North Central region will experience moderate to heavy rain, with some areas experiencing very heavy rain and thunderstorms, with rainfall amounts generally ranging from 70-150mm, and some areas exceeding 150mm.

Authorities are intensifying efforts to provide timely updates on tropical storms and floods so that people are aware and can proactively take preventive measures and respond accordingly. (Photo: Archival image)

To prepare for the storm and heavy rain expected in the coming days amidst the complex developments of the Covid-19 pandemic, on the morning of September 7th, the Standing Office of the Provincial Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue issued Official Document 140/VP-PCTT requesting the Steering Committees for Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue of districts, cities, and towns; the Provincial Military Command; the Provincial Border Guard Command; the Provincial Police; the Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development, Health, Industry and Trade, and Transport; the Northern Central Region Meteorological and Hydrological Station; irrigation and hydropower companies in the province; and other relevant units to direct the implementation of the following contents:

1. Review the response plan and implement disaster prevention and control measures in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, following the directives of the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee in Official Dispatch No. 28/CĐ-UBND dated September 6, 2021, the Handbook issued with Decision No. 16/QĐ-TWPCTT dated August 23, 2021, and other directives from the Central Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Control, especially the evacuation plan to ensure safety in case of strong storms, heavy rain, floods, inundation, flash floods, and landslides, while also ensuring disease prevention and control and safety at evacuation sites.

2. For sea and coastal routes:

- Closely monitor storm reports; inform vessels operating at sea about the storm's developments so they can proactively take preventive measures, ensure safety, and plan their operations accordingly; prepare plans to ensure the safety of vessels and people on board transport ships and visiting fishing vessels.

- Be prepared to ensure the safety of fish cages, aquaculture areas at sea and along the coast, critical or under-construction sea dikes; and the safety of people on coastal islands;

- Organize the reinforcement of houses and public buildings; prepare plans to ensure the safety of industrial zones and people in areas affected by the storm.

- Maintain communication and have forces and resources ready for rescue operations when necessary.

Border guards from the Cua Lo Port Border Gate Station assist locals in mooring their boats. (Photo courtesy of Viet Phuong)

3. For lowland areas: Prepare operational plans for drainage systems to prevent flooding in urban areas and low-lying areas, ensuring minimal damage in the event of heavy rainfall.

4. For mountainous areas:

- Deploy rapid response teams to inspect and review unsafe housing, residential areas along rivers and streams, and low-lying areas at high risk of flooding, flash floods, and landslides, in order to proactively organize the relocation and evacuation of people to safe places when situations arise; clear waterways, especially in streams, dry ravines, and ponds and lakes that pose a safety risk.

- Directing inspections, reviews, and preparation of plans to ensure the safety of mines, mineral extraction areas, reservoirs and downstream areas, especially small hydropower reservoirs and critical irrigation reservoirs; deploying permanent forces to operate, regulate, and handle situations; preparing forces, materials, and equipment to address incidents and ensure smooth traffic flow on major transportation routes.

5. The Northern Central Region Meteorological and Hydrological Station will closely monitor, forecast, warn, and promptly inform about the developments of storms, rain, and floods.Risk of flash floods and landslidesThis will enable relevant agencies and the public to proactively implement response measures.

6. The Department of Industry and Trade directs the work of ensuring the safety of hydroelectric dams, especially small hydroelectric plants.

7. The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development directs the work of ensuring the safety of dikes, reservoirs, and irrigation dams, especially critical structures that are under construction or repair; and protecting agricultural production.

8. The Department of Transportation directs the work of ensuring transportation safety; controls and guides traffic at underpasses, overflows, and areas with deep flooding; and deploys personnel, materials, and equipment to promptly address incidents and ensure smooth traffic flow on major transportation routes.

9. The Provincial Military Command; the Provincial Border Guard Command; and the Provincial Police Department shall direct the review of plans and be ready to deploy forces and resources to support search and rescue operations at the request of local authorities when needed.

10. The Department of Health directs the work of ensuring safety in the prevention and control of Covid-19, especially in concentrated evacuation areas; directs the ensuring of safety and creating favorable conditions for disaster prevention and control forces to carry out their tasks...