Authorities in the northern mountainous provinces of Vietnam were asked to stay prepared for evacuation operations as extreme rainfall, accompanied by potential flooding, landslides, and flash floods, is expected to hit the region from Tuesday night to Thursday morning, according to an official dispatch signed by Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang on Tuesday.

The region could see rainfall ranging between 40mm and 80mm, and even more than 150mm in several locations, during this period, the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting said.

The national weather agency also warned of rising water levels in the upstream areas of the Da, Thao, and Lo Rivers, flash floods and landslides in mountainous locations, and inundation in low-lying places.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said in the dispatch that the rainy and flooding season is at its peak in the northern part of the country, demanding that the heads of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, other ministries, and local authorities remain vigilant against natural disaster risks to prevent weather-related damage to people and their assets.

The government leader asked local authorities to examine areas prone to flooding, flash floods, and landslides to promptly launch evacuation and rescue operations.

They have to dispatch forces to stand guard over locations vulnerable to flooding and landslides to ensure human and traffic safety.

Provinces in the region and relevant ministries were told to adopt measures to safely operate irrigation and hydropower reservoirs to ensure safety for infrastructure facilities in the downstream areas.

PM Chinh asked the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to closely supervise weather developments and inform relevant agencies of natural disaster risks.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!