Thanh Hoa Province on High Alert for Heavy Rains, Landslides, and Floods

Thanh Hoa Province in central Vietnam has experienced heavy rainfall, with some areas recording 95.2mm between 1 AM and 7 AM on September 14th. This has led to soil saturation exceeding 85% in some locations, reaching a saturated state. Over the next six hours, an additional 20-50mm of rain is expected, with some areas potentially exceeding 50mm. The risk of flash floods, landslides, and ground subsidence is particularly high in 18 communes in the southwestern and western parts of the province, specifically in Xuan Binh, Yen Tho, and Thanh Ky communes. Furthermore, moderate to heavy rain, with some areas exceeding 60mm, is forecast to continue from September 16th to 17th. The total rainfall from September 14th to 17th is expected to range from 150-300mm in coastal plains and western mountainous areas, with some locations exceeding 300mm. The heaviest rainfall is concentrated from the morning of September 14th to the morning of September 16th. In response, the Thanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee issued Directive No. 05/CD-UBND on September 13th, ordering enhanced measures to cope with the heavy rains. Local authorities, relevant departments, and agencies are instructed to disseminate information on rainfall, flood risks, flash floods, and landslides to the public, enabling proactive response and damage mitigation. The directive emphasizes prioritizing the evacuation of residents from high-risk areas, such as riverbanks and zones prone to landslides and floods, to safe locations. Support for essential needs, especially for poor and vulnerable households in evacuation sites, is to be ensured, preventing shortages of food and drinking water. Residents are strictly prohibited from returning home until safety is guaranteed. Additionally, inspections and readiness plans for the safety of dykes, dams, transportation infrastructure, and other critical facilities are to be strengthened, particularly at vulnerable points and ongoing construction sites. Emergency response teams are to be deployed for immediate action and rapid recovery to maintain smooth traffic flow. Drainage measures for agricultural land, low-lying areas, urban zones, and industrial parks will be actively implemented. Continuous patrols of drainage channels are mandated, with immediate clearing of blockages to ensure unimpeded water flow. Mountainous regions are to enhance inspections of rivers and streams to promptly detect and clear obstructions, thereby mitigating the risk of flash floods caused by blocked waterways. Preparations are underway to deploy forces for traffic control and guidance, especially in submerged areas, low-water crossings, and zones with strong currents. Source: Nhan Dan