Large parts of Central Viet Nam from Thanh Hoa to Binh Thuan, including Da Nang, are entering its rainy season which means there's an increased risk of flooding in these areas, according to Viet Nam’s National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting.

The unsettled weather conditions caused by the Intertropical Convergence Zone and intense cold spells will bring rounds of heavy rain to the above-mentioned areas from the night of October 9 through October 20. The intensity of rainfall will increase the risk of flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas, national forecasters have warned.

Heavy rainfall forecast alert for the night of October 9 into October 10, has been issued for the parts from Quang Binh to Quang Ngai, including Da Nang. Heavy rainfall of 40mm - 80mm is predicted in common across these areas.

The parts from Thanh Hoa to Thua Thien - Hue are being warned to brace for heavy rain, with rainfalls of 100-300mm from the night of October 10 into October 13, and a warning is issued for 50-150mm of rain in the 24 hours.

The unsettled weather is expected to continue until October 20 over the parts from Thanh Hoa to Quang Ngai, including Da Nang, and it is likely to develop in a complicated manner, depending on the intensity of cold spells and the location of Intertropical Convergence Zone.

Viet Nam’s National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control is urging authorities in affected areas to take appropriate precautionary measures to cope with floods, flash floods, landslides brought by heavy downpours, as well as minimize losses owing to heavy rain. The focus should be attached to ensuring the safety of the reservoirs, releasing the surplus water and protecting the dams, desilting canals, and facilitating the recharge of ground water besides avert damage due to floods.

Heed must be paid to deploying personnel to deeply flooded streets to set up vehicle barriers to stop driving through deep water in order to ensure the safety of road users. Importance is attached to resolutely banning people from travelling or fishing on rivers, low-lying areas, flooded areas, underground passages, flooded bridges, forests, mountains and landslide prone areas.

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 BAOTIN TUC – Reporting by H.L