The Mid-Central Region Centre for Hydrometeorology Forecasting has warned of heavy to very heavy downpours in parts of Da Nang, and elsewhere in the central region from Quang Tri to Quang Ngai provinces, between 1 and 3 November. 

Landslides occurred on road No 601

The rainfall could be between 100 and 300mm in Quang Tri Province, and between 200 and 400mm in the provinces from Thua Thien Hue to Quang Ngai.  This may cause severe flooding and flash floods.

In Hoa Vang District, during the afternoon of 31 October and early morning the following day, landslides occurred on a section of Ho Chi Minh City street in Hoa Bac and Hoa Lien communes, and on road No 601 in Hoa Bac Commune.  This caused serious traffic congestion, and brought mud and rainwater into nearby houses.

Mr Dang Phu Hanh, Vice Chairman of the Hoa Vang District People’s Committee,  said “After receiving reports from local residents, the district authorities asked local relevant agencies to assist with the problem.  At around 9.30am on 1 November, the landslide areas had been dealt with.”

Mr Hoang Thanh Hoa, Deputy Director of the municipal Agriculture and Rural Development Department, remarked that his unit has asked Steering Committees for Natural Disaster Mitigation, and Search and Rescue at all levels to take proactive measures to cope with the heavy rain and flooding.  All local communes and wards were required to inform local residents about the latest rain and flooding information in order to help them take initiatives to reduce the risk of flood damage. 

Local relevant agencies were urged to develop evacuation plans for people living in low-lying, seaside, or landslide and fast flood high-risk areas before any flooding occurs.  This will help to prevent possible injuries and property damage.  In addition, food and medicines have been prepared for residents in danger areas.

On Tuesday, representatives from the municipal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development paid inspection visits to local reservoirs and dams.  The Department directed the local relevant agencies to keep a close eye on water levels in the reservoirs in order to promptly deal with unexpected situations.

Mr Mai Ma, Director of the city’s Water Drainage and Wastewater Treatment Company, said that the heavy rains on 31 October and 1 November had not resulted in any reported cases of flooding in the inner city.  He added that numerous plans have been developed to minimise the risk of flooding during this year’s rainy season.