Prime Minister directs swift actions on storm and flood response

Direction of Typhoon Yagi's movement. VNS File Photo

HÀ NỘI - On Friday night (September 6), Typhoon Yagi made landfall in the Gulf of Tonkin, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall to northern Việt Nam. In light of the increased risks of urban flooding, landslides, and flash floods, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính swiftly issued Directive No 88/CD-TTg, calling on authorities to prioritise immediate response efforts to safeguard lives and property in the aftermath of the storm.

The directive was addressed to Party Secretaries and Chairpersons of the People’s Committees in the provinces and cities of Quảng Ninh, Hải Phòng, Thái Bình, Nam Định, Ninh Bình, Thanh Hóa, Lạng Sơn, Hà Giang, Tuyên Quang, Lào Cai, Yên Bái, Phú Thọ, Hòa Bình, Sơn La, Lai Châu, Điện Biên, Cao Bằng, Bắc Kạn, Thái Nguyên, Bắc Ninh, Bắc Giang, Hà Nội, Hưng Yên, Hà Nam, and Vĩnh Phúc. It was also sent to the ministers of Defence, Public Security, Natural Resources and Environment, Agriculture and Rural Development, Education and Training, Industry and Trade, Transport, Construction, Foreign Affairs, and Culture, Sports and Tourism.

According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, Typhoon Yagi entered the Gulf of Tonkin on Friday night, with maximum winds near the eye reaching force 14 and gusts up to force 17. From Saturday (September 7) onwards, the storm is expected to affect the northern provinces with strong winds and heavy rain, with rainfall amounts ranging from 100 to 350mm, and isolated areas seeing over 500mm. This heightens the risk of urban flooding, landslides, and flash floods in midland and mountainous regions.

To mitigate these risks, the Prime Minister has instructed ministries, sectors, and localities to continue implementing previously issued directives, including Directive No 86/CD-TTg dated September 3, 2024 and Directive No 87/CD-TTg dated September 5, 2024. The primary focus remains on ensuring public safety and protecting state assets.

Chairpersons of the People’s Committees in affected areas are advised to closely monitor the situation, and if necessary, issue public guidance to avoid non-essential travel and consider temporarily closing schools at all levels to ensure safety.

Deputy Prime Ministers, in accordance with their areas of responsibility, will directly oversee and guide relevant ministries, sectors, and localities in carrying out this directive.

The Government Office, in its supervisory role, will encourage timely reporting from ministries, sectors, and localities, ensuring any urgent or emerging issues are promptly communicated to the Prime Minister.