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Given the complex weather developments, especially the risk of widespread heavy rainfall in the Northern region and provinces from Thanh Hoa to Quang Ngai from the evening of September 27th to September 30th, authorities are issuing urgent warnings. According to forecasts, total rainfall could reach 100-300mm, with some areas exceeding 450mm; the Northern Delta and North Central regions (from Thanh Hoa to northern Quang Tri) could experience rainfall of 200-400mm, and even over 600mm in some places. This situation directly threatens the risk of flooding in low-lying areas, along with flash floods and landslides in mountainous and coastal areas.
The golden rule: Proactive monitoring and evacuation.
To protect lives and property from natural disasters, the Department of Dike Management and Disaster Prevention and Control (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) advises people to absolutely not be complacent and to strictly follow prevention guidelines. The most basic principle is to regularly monitor forecasts, warnings, and developments of storms, heavy rains, floods, flash floods, and landslides to proactively prevent and avoid them, especially during heavy rains that often occur at night.
The most important measure is to evacuate from dangerous areas as soon as a warning is issued. People living in areas at high risk of deep flooding, flash floods, or landslides need to pay special attention to unusual signs. These could include explosions, strange noises, ground shaking, cracks, or streams suddenly turning cloudy. When these signs are detected, emergency evacuation is mandatory to ensure safety. At the same time, people must strictly comply with the instructions and evacuation orders of local authorities and relevant agencies.
Ensuring traffic safety and safety in river and waterway areas.
During periods of heavy rain and flooding, travel must be undertaken with extreme caution. People are strongly advised not to cross underpasses, spillways, bridges, culverts, or any areas with deep flooding or strong currents. Similarly, it is necessary to stay away from roads at risk of flash floods or landslides (such as areas showing signs of water seepage or rocks and soil falling from the embankment onto the road).
In particular, river, stream, and coastal areas pose significant dangers. Absolutely do not swim, fish, or collect firewood in rivers and streams during heavy rain and floods. For residents and fishermen operating at sea, ensure the safety of boats at anchor, protect aquaculture cages, and strictly comply with the government's sea closure orders. Most importantly, do not stay on anchored boats, watchtowers, aquaculture cages, or aquaculture areas when a storm is approaching. When a storm hits, it is strongly advised not to leave your house to avoid dangers from strong winds, objects blown away by the wind, falling trees, or broken power lines.
Protect property and livestock enclosures.
Protecting property and livelihoods also needs to be done proactively. People should take advantage of harvesting agricultural products, rice, crops, and aquatic products early. At the same time, they need to reinforce livestock and poultry shelters and move them along with stored feed to safe, higher ground.
Indoors, all valuables and important documents should be elevated or stored in a safe place. Motor vehicles such as motorcycles and cars should be moved to higher ground, away from areas at risk of flooding. Before water levels rise or when there is a risk of flooding, proactively disconnect the main power supply and shut off the gas valve to prevent short circuits and electric shocks. Fully charging your phone and power bank is also a necessary preparation to ensure uninterrupted communication during a power outage.
Prepare essential supplies.
To cope with prolonged flooding or isolation lasting for days, people need to proactively stockpile and preserve enough food, drinking water, medicine, and other essential supplies.
Furthermore, preparing for the flood at home is also crucial. People should proactively clear drainage channels near their homes and residential areas to create more effective flood drainage. It is necessary to promptly notify local authorities when detecting clogged drains or areas of deep flooding. For apartment buildings, special precautions should be taken against basement flooding, and parking should be avoided in areas at risk of flooding.
Finally, in any emergency situation, people should keep the local rescue and emergency hotline numbers handy, especially the 112 emergency number. Timely and accurate information about location and danger will help authorities deploy rescue and relief efforts as effectively and quickly as possible. After the storm subsides, cleaning the environment, wiping down houses, and checking electrical systems before use are mandatory to ensure safety after the disaster. Actively participating in local disaster prevention and control task forces is also an effective way to protect the community.
