Vietnamese northern provinces are experiencing heavy rains that can combine with rising river water to cause flashflood and landslides, the National Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting Center warned Monday as cold nap hit the region.

>> Flash flood kills 6, including 5-member family, in northern Vietnam>> Flashflood, rockslide kill 3, cause $1 mil loss in Lai Chau   This weather pattern started on Monday and is expected to last until August 21, with a prevalent rainfall ranging from 40-60 mm, which can rise up to 100-130 mm in many northeastern mountainous areas, the center said.

Meanwhile, due to heavy rains, many rivers in the region, including the Hong (Red), Thai Binh, Thao and Lo rivers, will rise rapidly from Tuesday and will not stop rising until August 22, it added.

A combination of downpour and rising water from rivers will likely cause flashfloods and landslides in north and northeastern provinces, including Cao Bang, Lang Son, Tuyen Quang, Ha Giang, Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La and Bac Kan.    The Central Steering Board for Flood and Storm Prevention and Control yesterday sent an urgent dispatch to its units and local authorities in all northern provinces, asking them to take preventive measures and follow up updated weather developments to have timely and effective responses.

Rescue teams in all northern provinces should be well prepared for search, rescue and salvage activities at any time when necessary, the board said in the dispatch. Local authorities must exert the best efforts possible to minimize loss of life and property in case of serious flooding and landslides, the board said. Steering boards for flood and storm prevention and control in northern provinces must promptly submit reports on the rain and flood situation to the central board and the National Committee for Search and Rescue. 

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