PM orders central Vietnam to prepare for floods, landslides

In an official dispatch issued on Saturday, PM Hung instructed government agencies and provinces from Nghe An to Dak Lak to proactively respond to severe weather risks following forecasts from the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

Rainfall totals are forecast to reach 100-200 millimeters from southern Nghe An to northern Quang Tri, with isolated areas receiving more than 300 millimeters.

In Hue, Da Nang and eastern Quang Ngai, rainfall is expected to range from 250 to 450 millimeters, with localized totals exceeding 700 millimeters.

Southern Quang Tri, eastern Gia Lai and Dak Lak are forecast to receive 150-300 millimeters, with isolated areas seeing more than 400 millimeters.

The national weather agency warned that the rainfall could trigger river flooding, urban inundation, flash floods and landslides, particularly in mountainous areas and along small rivers and streams.

The head of the government stressed that officials must not become complacent, especially as the ongoing El Nino event continues to complicate weather conditions and many reservoirs in the region remain at low levels.

Local administrations were asked to review emergency response plans, pre-position personnel, equipment and supplies in high-risk areas, and prepare for all possible scenarios.

Provinces and cities were also ordered to identify dangerous locations and, when necessary, evacuate residents to safer areas, giving priority to children, the elderly and other vulnerable groups.

Local authorities have been authorized to temporarily close schools if weather conditions threaten student safety.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment was tasked with coordinating reservoir operations together with the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Officials are expected to balance flood-control requirements with water-storage needs, as Vietnam faces an elevated risk of water shortages during the upcoming dry season because of El Nino.

The cabinet leader also directed the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security to mobilize military, police and rescue forces to support evacuation efforts, emergency response operations and disaster recovery work if required.