Thanh Hoa Province Issues Flood Alert Level 3 on Buoi River

Thanh Hoa Province in central Vietnam issued Directive No. 11/CĐ-PTDS on September 16th, ordering flood alert level III on the Buoi River at the Kim Tan Hydrological Station due to rising water levels. According to the Thanh Hoa Provincial Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, at 10:00 AM on the same day, the water level on the Buoi River at the Kim Tan hydrological station was recorded at +11.34 meters, which is 0.66 meters below alert level III (+12.00 meters). Flood forecasts indicate that the water level on the Buoi River at the Kim Tan hydrological station is likely to reach alert level III (+12.00m) between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM on September 16th and is expected to continue rising. The Provincial Civil Defense Command of Thanh Hoa Province has instructed the Chairpersons of the People's Committees of the communes of Tay Do, Vinh Loc, Kim Tan, and Thach Binh to continue implementing dike patrol and protection measures according to the alert level. They are also required to organize inspections, reviews, and readiness to deploy plans to ensure the safety of dike structures, especially critical and vulnerable dike sections and cross-dike culverts within their areas. Furthermore, proactive implementation of evacuation plans for residents living in riverside low-lying areas is mandated. Strict 24-hour duty shifts are to be organized to closely monitor the developments of rain and floods, enabling prompt handling of situations from the initial stages. Timely information and reporting to the Provincial Office of Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and the Standing Office of the Provincial Civil Defense Command are also required. This measure highlights Vietnam's centralized approach to disaster management under its one-party system, with directives issued by provincial authorities to local communes. In recent years, Vietnam has faced increasing challenges from extreme weather events, attributed to climate change, leading to frequent flood damage. Alongside infrastructure development, the enhancement of resident evacuation plans and disaster preparedness awareness remains a pressing priority.