Central Vietnam on High Alert as Tropical Depression Approaches

Thanh Hoa province in central Vietnam has issued a high alert for an approaching tropical depression, with heightened preparedness measures in coastal and mountainous areas. The Provincial Civil Defense Command issued a directive on September 12th to respond to the tropical depression. According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, a tropical depression in the waters west of the Paracel Islands strengthened on the morning of September 12th. By 3:30 PM that day, the Thanh Hoa Provincial Hydrometeorological Station reported that due to the influence of the tropical depression and the associated tropical convergence zone, heavy rainfall is expected in the province from the late afternoon of September 13th to the afternoon of September 14th. Rainfall is forecast to be between 50-100mm, with some areas exceeding 120mm, particularly in coastal regions and the southwestern mountainous areas. In response, the Provincial Civil Defense Command has instructed coastal localities to closely monitor the tropical depression's movements and strictly manage vessels departing at sea. Measures are also being taken to ensure the safety of fishing facilities, tourist sites, and infrastructure in coastal areas, along with preparedness for rescue and relief operations. In lowland areas, directives include evacuating residents from unsafe housing and flood-prone areas, inspecting the safety of dikes and irrigation systems, implementing measures to prevent flooding in agricultural lands, urban areas, and industrial parks, and reinforcing infrastructure facilities. In mountainous regions, residents in areas along rivers and low-lying zones are to be evacuated to safe locations due to the risk of flash floods and landslides. Traffic safety on flooded roads is to be ensured, and access to areas with landslide risks is to be strictly prohibited to prevent loss of life. All sectors and localities have been instructed to strengthen the inspection and operation of mines, dams, and reservoirs, as well as emergency response systems.