Tropical depression to intensify into storm in next 24 hours, Prime Minister requests response

On September 17, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha signed Official Dispatch No. 97 of the Prime Minister on proactively responding to tropical depressions that are likely to strengthen into storms.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, on the morning of September 17, the tropical depression crossed Ludong Island (Philippines) into the eastern sea of ​​the northern East Sea. At 10:00 a.m., the center of the tropical depression was at about 16.9 degrees North latitude, 119.9 degrees East longitude, the strongest wind near the center of the storm was level 7, gusting to level 9.

The tropical depression is forecast to move west at a speed of 20km/h towards the Hoang Sa archipelago and is likely to strengthen into a storm in the next 24 hours. The storm may directly affect the sea and mainland of our country, causing strong gusts of wind and heavy rain in the Central Central and North Central regions in the coming days.

The development of this tropical depression is still very complicated (it is forecasted that wind level, speed and direction of movement may change).

To proactively respond to the tropical depression that is likely to strengthen into a storm, especially the risk of heavy rain, flooding, landslides, flash floods that may occur, the Prime Minister requested the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment to direct the hydrometeorological forecasting agency to continue to closely monitor, forecast, and provide complete and timely information on the development of the tropical depression to the authorities and people so that they can proactively deploy response work according to regulations.

The Prime Minister requested the Ministers of relevant ministries and Chairmen of People's Committees of provinces and cities from Quang Ninh to Khanh Hoa to monitor and regularly update information on developments of tropical depressions, storms, and floods to proactively direct and deploy appropriate response work to natural disasters that may affect the management scope of the sector and locality.

In particular, the head of the Government noted to focus on immediately implementing measures to ensure safety for ships, vehicles and activities at sea and along the coast.

In addition, it is necessary to review and complete response scenarios for tropical depressions, storms, floods, landslides, flash floods, focusing on ensuring safety of people's lives and limiting damage to property, and scientifically and safely operating hydroelectric and irrigation dams.

Leaders of ministries, branches and localities are also required to proactively arrange forces, materials and means, especially in localities expected to be directly affected by storms, floods and key areas to be ready to respond to tropical depressions, storms, floods and rescue when required.

Vietnam Television, Voice of Vietnam and other media agencies increase broadcasting time and news coverage so that people can grasp information about developments of tropical depressions, storms, floods, and instructions from competent authorities, and know how to respond to natural disasters, especially landslides, flash floods, and inundations, to limit damage.

Still at the request of the Prime Minister, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development organized a 24/7 duty to closely monitor the situation, proactively direct and urge localities to deploy response work in accordance with actual natural disaster developments, promptly report and propose to the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister to direct issues beyond their authority.