Hai Phong chairman orders response to heavy rain and landslide risks
The chairman of the Hai Phong People's Committee has instructed local authorities and agencies to urgently take proactive measures against the risks of heavy rain and landslides across the city.
Amid increasingly complex weather conditions, the Hai Phong People's Committee on August 18 issued an urgent directive on proactively responding to the risks of heavy rain, flash floods, landslides, and soil erosion across the city.
According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, under the influence of a tropical convergence zone, northern and north-central Vietnam is expected to experience widespread heavy rainfall from the night of August 17 through August 21, 2026. Total rainfall is forecast at 150 – 300 mm, with some areas receiving more than 450 mm.
The prolonged rainfall, following several consecutive rainy days, raises the risk of flooding on rivers and upstream streams, urban and low-lying inundation, flash floods, and landslides in midland and mountainous areas. At sea, whirlwinds, thunderstorms, and strong wind gusts are also possible.
To prepare for potential natural disasters during the period from August 17 to 21, the chairman of the Hai Phong People's Committee directed departments, agencies, and the administrations of communes, wards, and special zones not to be complacent. They were instructed to closely monitor weather developments and implement approved disaster prevention, response, and recovery plans swiftly and effectively, particularly for flooding, flash floods, and landslides.
Local authorities were ordered to mobilize all available forces to carry out coordinated measures aimed at protecting lives and minimizing property losses caused by heavy rain and related disasters.
They were also instructed to thoroughly inspect residential areas and housing, and to promptly evacuate residents from dangerous locations, especially older people, children, and other vulnerable groups living in areas at risk of landslides, deep flooding, or flash floods near streams.
The directive requires authorities to control and restrict traffic on roads that may become hazardous during heavy rain, deploy personnel to guide vehicles through flooded sections, and prepare traffic diversion plans for mountain roads vulnerable to landslides.
In addition, construction sites along rivers, operators of river and maritime transport and tourism services, as well as mining and tunnel operators, must be notified of the forecast so they can take appropriate safety measures. Authorities are also required to remove obstructions and clear waterways to reduce the risk of flash floods.
The city further ordered the pre-positioning of personnel, rescue equipment, supplies, food, and other essential goods in critical areas that could become isolated by flooding or landslides, ensuring readiness for emergency rescue and post-disaster support…
MAI LINH