Thanh Hoa Province on Alert for Tropical Storm Talim

Thanh Hoa Province in central Vietnam is strengthening its preparedness for heavy rains associated with the approach of Tropical Storm Talim. According to a report from the afternoon of July 4, 5,627 fishing vessels in the province are currently docked, and 17,780 fishermen have returned to their residences safely. Currently, 579 vessels and 2,800 fishermen are still operating at sea. Of these, 484 vessels and 2,151 fishermen are in the waters off Thanh Hoa and are scheduled to return to shore on the afternoon of the same day. The remaining vessels are operating in fishing grounds off Nghe An, Quang Tri-Ha Tinh provinces, and the southern South China Sea. Fishermen and vessels operating at sea have been informed about Tropical Storm Talim and maintain regular contact with relevant authorities, their families, and local administrations. According to the Thanh Hoa Provincial Meteorological and Hydrological Station, the province will continue to experience showers and thunderstorms from the night of July 4 to July 5, with rainfall generally ranging from 30-70mm, and locally heavy downpours. As of the morning of the same day, water levels in major reservoirs in Thanh Hoa are below normal, and water levels in major rivers are below alert level 1. To proactively respond to heavy rainfall caused by Tropical Storm Talim, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has requested the Management Boards of Irrigation Projects, Agricultural and Rural Development Construction Investment Projects, construction companies, and water conservancy companies, as well as communes and wards, to closely monitor all bulletins regarding Tropical Storm Talim, meteorological and hydrological forecasts, rainfall and flood forecasts, and specialized meteorological observations. They are urged to promptly review and inspect critical infrastructure, particularly rural domestic water supply systems, that are at risk of failure to proactively implement response plans and ensure the safety of these facilities. For irrigation reservoirs that are vulnerable or do not meet safety standards, the province will consider limiting water storage or not storing water at all. Special attention will be paid to irrigation reservoirs and rural domestic water supply and storage facilities currently under construction. For underground structures, tunnels, and diversion works, plans will be prepared to ensure the safety of personnel, machinery, and equipment. Areas of crops at risk of flooding will be identified, and appropriate drainage plans will be developed based on rainfall conditions and the capacity of irrigation systems. Particular attention will be paid to preparing detailed drainage plans for newly transplanted rice seedlings and newly sown rice fields. Efforts will be made to clear water flow channels and remove obstacles at water intake points, drainage outlets, culverts, pumping stations, and drainage systems. The province will proactively pump buffer water into the irrigation system in accordance with rainfall forecasts. Inspection of coastal and river dikes will be intensified, and dike patrol and guarding activities will be strictly enforced during the flood season. Plans for dike protection and the protection of critical dike sections will be reviewed and implemented in practice. Personnel, materials, vehicles, and equipment will be prepared for dike protection. Simultaneously, on-site inspections will be conducted to assess preparedness and proactively respond to potential incidents and situations, adhering to the "4 at-site" principle.