Da Nang is bracing for another possible spell of torrential rain due to the arrival of the northeast monsoon with the Mid-Central Region Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting predicting heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms in the city from October 9 to 12. Regional forecasters indicate heavy rainfall of 150mm to 250mm, and even in excess of 350mm at isolated places in Da Nang.

Thunderstorms can produce tornadoes, lightning, hail and strong winds, regional forecasters has warned.

From Sunday night into Monday morning, October 10, due to the influence of the northeast monsoon, the coastal areas stretching from Quang Binh to Thua Thien-Hue will see high winds at levels 4 to 5 with gusts as high as level 6, and farther inland could find northeast winds at level 3.

Temperatures in the plains of the parts from Quang Binh to Thua Thien Hue can expect lows of 20-23 degrees Celsius and are likely fall further to 19-21 degrees Celsius in their mountainous areas.

Forecasters have also issued warnings of flash floods and landslides for mountainous areas, and localized flooding alerts are in place in low-lying and riverside areas over the parts from Quang Binh to Quang Ngai, including Da Nang.

The Da Nang Steering Committee for Disaster Response and Search and Rescue is urging authorities at local level and relevant units to take appropriate precautionary measures to prevent flooding and minimise losses owing to heavy rain due to the arrival of the North East Monsoon. The focus should be attached to keeping in mind the safety of the reservoirs and releasing the surplus water and protecting the dams, desilting canals, and facilitating the recharge of ground water besides avert damage due to floods.

The Da Nang Border Guard Command is asked to work with Da Nang Coastal Information Station to keep a close watch on severe weather development, and keep owners of vessels operating at sea timely informed about severe weather conditions in order to help them take the initiative to avoid dangerous areas or seek safe shelters during the bad weather. Special attention must be given to making the resources available in order to organize timely rescue of any person in distress at sea and provide timely support for those who need it during severe weather.

Heed must be must keeping a close watch on severe weather development, and keep local residents timely informed about severe weather conditions in order to help them protect their property from heavy rains and flooding. In addition, importance must be attached to assisting local residents to prepare for heavy rains in an attempt to reduce the risk of possible damages. In addition, all necessary measures are needed to move people living in low-lying areas, along rivers and streams and areas at high risk of flash floods and landslides to safe places. Special attention must be given to making the resources available in order to drain rainwater from agricultural fields, low-lying areas, urban areas, most densely populated areas, industrial zones and other areas most at-risk of flooding in an effort to reduce costly damage to crops and property.

Reporting by HOANG HIEP – NAM TRAN – Translating by H.L