Storm Talim brings heavy rainfall, landslide and flood risks in northern region

The movement direction of storm Talim. VNA/VNS Photo

The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting has issued a warning that Storm Talim, the first storm to hit Vietnam this year, could bring prolonged heavy rainfall, leading to an increased risk of landslides and floods, particularly in the northern mountainous areas.

"Following consecutive days of scorching heat, heavy rain has increased the risk of flash floods and landslides in the northern provinces, especially in Lang Son, Cao Bang, Ha Giang, Lao Cai, and Yen Bai. There is a high risk of flooding in the low-lying areas of the northern mountainous provinces and urban areas in Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Cao Bang, Lang Son, and Thai Nguyen," the centre’s director Mai Van Khiem emphasised.

Khiem delivered the warning during an online meeting with 27 cities and provinces in response to Storm Talim in Ha Noi on Monday. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang, who was also head of the National Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Control and Chairman of the National Committee for Natural Disaster Response and Search and Rescue.

Khiem stated that this was the strongest storm to affect northern Vietnam in the past three years. The storm was forecast to cause widespread heavy rain in the northern region and the central province of Thanh Hoa from July 18-22.

The total rainfall was expected to reach 300-500mm and exceed 700mm in some areas. The north central region would experience rainfall but with lower amounts.

Khiem noted that there would be a high risk of flooding in small rivers and streams in Quang Ninh, Lang Son, and Cao Bang. There would be a risk of landslides in Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Cao Bang, Ha Giang, Lao Cai, and Yen Bai.

"Based on our assessment, Quang Ninh has about 166 locations that could cause flash floods and landslides, Lang Son 114 locations, Cao Bang 54 locations, Bac Kan 307 locations, Ha Giang 88 locations, Tuyen Quang 92 locations, Lao Cai 207 locations, and Yen Bai 335 locations," he said.

Storm Talim was forecast to directly impact mainland Vietnam this morning and afternoon. The most affected areas would include Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, and Thai Binh with wind speed of 75-88km per hour, and inland areas experiencing wind speed of 62-74km per hour. The most dangerous period of strong winds on land was expected to occur this afternoon.

He also noted the possibility of Talim changing its direction, shifting southward and expanding its influence on the northern part of the Red River Delta and the central province of Thanh Hoa. Although this scenario has a low probability, it still needs to be taken into consideration.

Khiem mentioned that the entire system of meteorological and hydrological monitoring stations, especially the coastal weather radars in the affected areas of Storm Talim, was operating stably and ready to enhance observations to serve the forecasting of the storm.

Co To border guards were urging fishing boats to return to land. VNA/VNS Photo

The Border Guard Command reported that as of 6am on Monday, 52,188 vessels and 226,183 people were informed about the developments of the storm. Currently, there were no vessels in the hazardous area.

In the areas from Quang Ninh to Nghe An, there were 553 vessels and inland waterway vehicles operating, and these vehicles received information about the storm.

As of 6.00pm on Saturday, there were still 17,414 tourists staying on the islands in Quang Ninh and Hai Phong.

The provinces of Quang Ninh, Thai Binh, and Nam Dinh implemented a sea travel ban from 12.00pm on Monday, while Hai Phong implemented it from 9.00pm on Monday.

Other localities would continue to monitor the situation of the typhoon to make appropriate decisions based on the actual conditions.

The coastal provinces from Quang Ninh to Ninh Binh plan to evacuate approximately 29,887 people.

Deputy Chairman of Quang Ninh province's People's Committee Vu Van Dien said Quang Ninh has mobilised over 1,000 people ready to respond to Storm Talim.

Dien added that more than 6,000 boats, including 231 offshore fishing vessels, had sheltered in safe areas.

The province has controlled and ensured the safety of 14,000 aquaculture cages.

Currently, there were around 4,000 tourists in Quang Ninh who would be brought back to the mainland before the storm made landfall, he said.

Deputy Chairman of the People's Committee of Hai Phong city Nguyen Duc Tho said all 1,731 vessels have reached safe places.

On Bach Long Vi Island, there were 27 vehicles in shelters and eight operating vessels within a range of one to five nautical miles.

Regarding Cat Ba Island, there were 45 tourist boats operating within the enclosed bay, and 156 fish farming cages under control.

Hai Phong currently has 9,600 visitors. The city has encouraged tourists to return to the mainland. Those who wished to stay would be provided with food and safe accommodation, he said.

VNS