Da Nang is likely to embrace for 1- 2 storms, some tropical depressions, torrential rains and floods during this year's rainy season, the Da Nang Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Mitigation, and Control and Search and Rescue has warned.

In recent years, the intersection of Nguyen Van Linh and Hoang Hoa Tham streets has been flooded in rainy seasons which resulted from blockages, the delay in pumping station installation at the end of Ong Ich Khiem Street.

the Da Nang Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Mitigation, and Control and Search and Rescue is urging relevant agencies and local residents to make all necessary preparations for possible strong storms with their complicated tracks during the upcoming rainy season.

The Da Nang Border Guard High Command and the municipal Coastal Information Station will keep all fishing boats operating at sea well informed of the position, direction and movement of tropical depressions and storms, hereby allow them to take the initiative to avoid dangerous areas or seek safe shelters.

The municipal and district-level authorities will develop scenarios for natural disaster mitigation and keep in close watch on properties built in high-risk areas, especially rental property for low-income earners and immigant students.

In response to possible flood disasters, the Da Nang government has completely dealt with the issue of inundation in some urban areas, and resolved water drainage-related environmental problems at riverside and coastal areas and tourist sites across the city over the past 2 years.

Recently, clearing out drains and installing more drainage systems have been underway at known hotspots. Included are the entrance gate to the Lien Chieu District-based Hoa Khanh Industrial Park, the downstream area of the Khe Can Canal in Thanh Khe District, residential areas 13 and 14 in Son Tra District's Phuoc My Ward, residential area No 61 in Lien Chieu District's Hoa Khanh Bac Ward, the upstream area of the Khe Can Canal in Cam Le District, and the intersection of the DT602 road and a bypass on the southern side of the Hai Van Tunnel. However, the construction of these drainage systems have been temporarily suspended due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Besides, some projects to deal with flooding in the heart of Da Nang have not been carried out yet or have their implementation temporarily suspended as a measure to stop the spread of the virus.

These projects include the upgrade of drainage systems along Le Loi, Phan Chau Trinh, Hoang Dieu, Hung Vuong and Ly Thai To streets, and the installation of a pumping station at the end of Ong Ich Khiem Street.

Mr Huynh Anh Vu from the Management Board for the city's Priority Infrastructure Investment Projects, said “We are asking permission from Da Nang government to reopen construction sites of some rainwater drainage systems in the city amid coronavirus crisis in an effort to deal with possible flooding problems in some urban areas during the forthcoming monsoon season".

By HOANG HIEP - Translated by M.D