Quảng Bình and Quảng Nam prepare for Storm No 4

Border soldiers in Nhật Lệ Border Guard Command in Quảng Bình Province prepare for the Storm No4. VNA/VNS Photos

QUẢNG NAM – Quảng Bình and Quảng Nam, two provinces forecasted to be directly impacted by Storm No 4, have proactively evacuated residents from border villages situated on hillsides at risk of landslides and flash floods. Authorities are also checking and replenishing emergency food supplies.

From the afternoon of September 18 to September 20, Quảng Bình is expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall, with some areas seeing very heavy rain. Total rainfall is forecast to range between 150-300mm, with some locations possibly exceeding 380mm. From the night of September 20 to September 21, rainfall is projected to range between 30-60mm, with some areas receiving over 80mm.

The heavy rains could trigger flash floods and landslides in districts such as Tuyên Hóa and Minh Hóa, as well as in the mountainous areas of Quảng Trạch, Bố Trạch, Quảng Ninh, and Lệ Thủy. Low-lying areas, riversides, and urban areas are also at risk of flooding.

Flood warnings have been issued for Quảng Bình's rivers from the night of September 18 to September 21, with water levels expected to rise between 4.0m and 8m upstream and 1m to 4m downstream. River levels are forecast to fluctuate between below and above flood alert level 2, with some rivers potentially reaching level 3.

On Wednesday night, the Quảng Bình Border Guard Command directed units along the border to urgently implement response measures and assist residents in disaster preparedness to ensure safety. As of now, 7,309 boats out of 7,313 have docked safely, with four vessels carrying 24 fishermen still en route to shore for shelter.

Along the land border, Border Guard units have been using village radio systems to continuously update residents on the storm's developments. They have also been inspecting areas at risk of landslides and flooding, preparing to relocate people and property as needed. Authorities have urged residents to avoid entering forests and have called for those already in the forest to return home.

Officers and soldiers have been assisting local communities by reinforcing houses, schools, and public buildings, trimming trees that may fall, and guiding boats to safe docking locations. They are also regularly updating weather conditions, patrolling, monitoring, and providing assistance where required.

Border soldiers at Cửa Đại Border Guard Command in Quảng Nam Province help residents move their boats to safe places. VNA/VNS Photo

On Wednesday afternoon, Thái Viết Tường, Director of Quảng Nam Province’s Department of Education and Training, issued an official notice instructing schools across all districts, towns, and cities to close on Thursday due to the approaching storm.

The department also requested that schools assign duty officers and promptly report any damage caused by the typhoon, as well as the measures taken to address the aftermath.

Quảng Nam experienced widespread heavy rainfall on Wednesday. In Tam Kỳ City, persistent downpours led to severe flooding on several roads, causing travel disruptions.

A quick report from the Quảng Nam Province’s Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue Steering Committee indicated that the province has received moderate to very heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours, with an average of 90-120mm in many areas. Warnings have been issued for flash floods and landslides in mountainous districts, as well as flooding in densely populated and low-lying areas.

In coastal regions, fishermen are urgently securing their boats and equipment in safe locations. Border Guard forces stationed at coastal outposts have been deployed to key areas to assist residents in proactively preparing for Storm No. 4. – VNS