To prevent and mitigate the effects of natural disasters in Da Nang in 2024, the local transport sector has devised plans corresponding to seven disaster scenarios, including storms, severe storms, cyclones, landslides, floods, dam failures, tsunamis, and urban flooding. Ensuring traffic flow on key bridges and roads is a priority.

Da Nang, located in the central region, frequently faces natural disasters such as storms, floods, landslides, and urban flooding. Therefore, before the rainy season arrives, the city's authorities, especially the local transport sector, have implemented concrete measures to prevent and minimise the damage caused by such events.

According to the Da Nang's Traffic Safety Board, since late Q2 2024, city authorities, district-level People's Committees, road management units, and companies such as the Da Nang Bridge and Road Joint Stock Company and the Linh Suong Construction Trading and Service Co., Ltd. have been actively maintaining and repairing the roads and waterways under their management.

Specifically, for each disaster scenario, materials and equipment are pre-positioned at vulnerable spots where landslides or damage to transport infrastructure are likely, such as on roads like DT.601, DT.602, Hoang Van Thai, Ba Na-Suoi Mo, and routes on the Son Tra Peninsula. The same applies to coastal roads like Nguyen Tat Thanh, Truong Sa, Hoang Sa and Vo Nguyen Giap, and key bridges. The focus is on ensuring mobility, food, and supplies in case traffic in these locations is cut off.

Localities and units also inspect infrastructure before, during, and after each disaster to detect damage and initiate immediate repairs to safeguard vulnerable structures.

For large or important bridges, wind speeds are constantly monitored. In the event of strong winds surpassing safety thresholds, bridges will be temporarily closed, and traffic will be redirected to ensure public safety. Additionally, specific contingency plans have been established for bridges like Pho Nam, Han River, and Thuan Phuoc in the event of an emergency.

Tunnel infrastructure is also being reviewed, with repairs and reinforcements focusing on critical components like electrical systems, pumps, drainage, and erosion prevention measures. Units are prepared with backup plans for power outages or excessive rainfall flooding tunnels, and they have the necessary resources and manpower in place for quick response.

Mr. Nguyen Trung Nghia, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Transport, stated that in the event of a natural disaster affecting the bridges over the Han River, the Da Nang Bridge and Road JSC will monitor real-time wind data at Thuan Phuoc and Tran Thi Ly bridges via meteorological stations. In extreme cases where data is unavailable, they will liaise with the Mid-Central Regional Centre for Hydro Meteorological Forecasting for updates. The company is also responsible for preparing barriers to close the bridges in coordination with police and local authorities, following pre-established disaster management scenarios.

For roads near high-rise buildings like the Administrative Centre, Novotel, Hoang Anh Gia Lai Apartments, Azura, and Indochina Tower, district authorities will monitor wind speeds and coordinate with local police, transport inspectors, and road management units to implement the necessary plans.

Reporting by THANH LAN - Translating by TRUC VY