(18-7-2006) - The National Steering Committee for Flood and Storm Prevention and Control has sent urgent messages to Red River Delta provinces and cities on flood prevention and control.
The recipients include Hoa Binh, Phu Tho, Thai Nguyen, Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, Hai Duong, Vinh Phuc, Ha Tay, Hung Yen, Ha Nam, Nam Dinh and Thai Binh provinces and the capital city, Ha Noi.
In the same event, an urgent message sent yesterday to the provinces of Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La, Thanh Hoa, Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, Cao Bang, Bac Can, Lang Son, Quang Ninh, Thai Nguyen, Bac Giang, Hoa Binh and Phu Tho, the committees ordered local authorities to inspect residential areas at lower elevations or along lakes, areas in danger of landslide, mineral-exploiting areas, tourist sites, and ongoing constructions in their jurisdictions.
Authorities should also direct local residents to take precautions against rising floodwaters overnight and flash flooding, the message said. Authorities were ordered to take the initiative to move people to safer ground and implement plans to secure reservoirs and protect offices and schools.
Search and rescue member branches were ordered to prepare rescue forces and equipment to be on the ready in cases of flood, landslide or other disaster.
According to the Central Hydrometeorology Forecasting Centre, floods on the Da and Lo Rivers are standing at high levels and continuing to increase rapidly.
It is forecast that the water level on the Lo River in Tuyen Quang province is likely to reach its peak on the night of July 18. The centre also warned of flash floods and landslides hitting mountainous provinces such as Lao Cai, Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Bac Can, Cao Bang, Tuyen Quang, Ha Giang and Phu Tho.
The committee urged the provinces and cities Steering Boards for Flood and Storm Prevention and Control to take urgent measures to prevent floods and to inform people of the risks of flooding and landslides.
