Northern localities brace for storm Kalmaegi

As of 10am this morning, Kalmaegi, the third entering the East Sea this year so far, was forecast to locate at 20.1 degrees north latitude, 110.6 east longitude, about 360km east-southeast off the coast of Hai Phong-Quang Ninh. Strongest winds near the centre of the storm reached 134-149kph, said the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF).

The storm is predicted to continue moving west-northwest at a speed of 25-30kph over the next 12 hours and entering the Gulf of Tonkin by this afternoon. As of 4pm, the eye of the storm is expected to be 200km east-southeast of the coast between Quang Ninh and Hai Phong, packing winds of 118-149kph.

During the next 12 to 24 hours, the storm will move west-northwest at a speed of 25-30kph and is likely to make landfall in the northeastern provinces by Tuesday evening before weakening into a tropical low pressure area, with winds of 61kph.

Intense rain will hit the northern region on the evening of September 16. Mountainous provinces are warned of landslide and flash-flood.

In response to Kalmaegi, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung issued a telegraph dated September 15 requesting local authorities, ministries and agencies to strengthen measures to limit damage caused by the storm.

They were also asked to ensure the safety of dykes, irrigation systems and construction sites, while keeping track of the storm's movement and implementing measures to prevent flooding in urban areas and protect crops.

Coastal localities were urged to co-ordinate with border guard forces and related units to inform the public on the latest movements of the storm. Fishing vessels operating at the Gulf of Tonkin and from Quang Ninh to Nghe An were asked to anchor in safety before 12am on Tuesday. The evacuation of residents in low-lying areas should be completed before to 5pm today, the document said.

The PM also directed the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Transport, Agriculture and Rural Development, and Industry and Trade to develop safety measures for residents and vehicles, prepare materials and forces, and ensure sufficient food supply.

The Central Steering Committee for Flood Prevention and Control, and the National Committee for Search and Rescue were urged to oversee and direct all the actions necessary to minimise losses.

Deputy PM Hoang Trung Hai on September 15 chaired an online conference with the Central Steering Committee for Flood Prevention and Control in dealing with Kalmaegi.

As of 2.30pm yesterday, over 81,924 fishing vessels and aquacultural farms with 336,500 labourers from Quang Ninh to Binh Thuan were called back.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has asked China and the Philippine to allow Vietnamese vessels to avoid dangerous situations at sea and ready for search and rescue.

On September 15, national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines cancelled four flights between Da Nang and Hai Phong, and Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong.

(Source: Nhandan Online)