Storm and flood response preparedness

Khanh Hoa Province has taken drastic measures on storm and flood response preparedness for the coming tropical storm Matmo.

 

Leaders of Nha Trang City held a meeting on October 29 with localities and relevant agencies to urgently evacuate residents from dangerous areas at high risk of landslide before October 30, and carry out natural disaster prevention, control and rescue schemes on the principles “on site and immediate steps”.

 

At Hon Ro Port, 2,758 fishing boats have been safely anchored. 273 others with 1,566 crew and 20 with 199 crew are working in Binh Thuan. There are 218 /5,142 aquaculture farms with 808 laborers. Nha Trang Military Staff Committee’s cooperation rescue force is comprised of 1,971 officials together with vehicles.

 

 

 

Communities in Van Ninh have evacuated locals to safe places and prepared food and other necessities at shelters. More than 1,500 boats have been brought to safe anchorage shelters at river estuaries. Over 40,200 shrimp and fish farms have received updated weather warnings and 50% have been pulled to safe places. 24-hour standby is maintained at Hoa Son and Da Sen water reservoirs for water release control.

 

Nguyen Huu Dung, Chairman of Cam Ranh City People’s Committee said on October 29,  together with following the urgent official telegram by Khanh Hoa People’s Committee Chairman sent to all communities and units in Khanh Hoa, Cam Ranh City Steering Board for Flood Control, Natural Disaster Relief & Rescue has focused on evacuation of families living in lower river basin areas. Heavy rain is forecasted in the next days, therefore, water release from reservoirs is expected when in need. Evacuation plans are being prioritized. Warnings are made and reported to owners of aquaculture farms on Cam Ranh Bay. “The city has made natural disaster warnings and alerts to locals from October 29. Aquaculture farms will be moved to safe places before 16:30 on October 30 when strong gusts start," adds Nguyen Huu Dung.

 

Dien Khanh District has directed local authorities and communities to check and implement flood control and rescue plans and update weather forecast with flood warnings and alerts. Reservoirs management units are required to control the release of water based on the weather. The district has also prepared forces and vehicles in high-risk places, maintained 24-hour standby and make safety precautions and guidance for accurate and timely rescue, according to Dien Khanh District Steering Board for Flood Control, Natural Disaster Relief & Rescue.

 

Khanh Son District has propagandized storm and flood response preparedness to all local communities and residents. Accordingly, troops are on standby to protect and prevent local residents from traveling in high-risk areas and crossing flooded submersible bridges; prepare sufficient food and feedstuff for locals when cut off by floodwater; and give safety precautions and guidance, according to Nguyen Van Nhuan, Chairman of Khanh Son District People’s Committee. 

 

Cam Lam District Steering Board for Flood Control, Natural Disaster Relief & Rescue checked storm and flood response preparedness on October 29. The district has broadcasted weather warnings to fishing boats working on Thuy Trieu Swamp for safe anchorage; checked critical areas at high risk of landslide in the communes of Son Tan, Suoi Cat and Cam Phuoc Tay; mobilized residents to protect homes; updated weather forecast for active storm response; and maintained 24-hour-standby at all localities. Nguyen Huu Hao, Chairman of Cam Lam District People’s Committee says, 194 BOT  Investment Company, National Road 1, Cam Ranh City, has removed hard median strips from 2 sections in Cam Thanh Bac on the National Road for temporary flood control.

 

Le Dinh Hai, Chairman of Truong Sa District People’s Committee says since October 28, all the communities have completed response preparedness plans for the tropical storm; prepared troops and vehicles, pruned trees, protected homes, maintained 24-hour surveillance; kept track of the direction movement of the tropical depression, given guidance to fishing ships for safe shelter; and helped local residents with flood emergency response.

 

A report by Khanh Hoa Border Defence Force Headquarters shows there are approximately 9,797 fishing boats with 33,000 laborers in Khanh Hoa. They have been informed of the tropical storm and safety plans. 142 fishing boats with nearly 1,500 fishermen are now working mainly in the waters of Khanh Hoa (64 boats) and Spratly Islands (47 boats). There are nearly 2,000 aquaculture farms with nearly 2,800 laborers in Khanh Hoa. They have received weather warnings for evacuation and preparedness in advance for incoming hazards.

 

P.V

Translated by N.T