Hanoi braces ahead of Typhoon Matmo with stronger anti-flood measures

THE HANOI TIMES — The Hanoi Department of Construction today (October 4) urged all agencies to monitor Typhoon Matmo closely and carry out disaster prevention plans with full readiness.

Officials called on relevant units to act proactively, reinforce “four-on-site” duty and apply lessons learned from drainage and recovery efforts after Typhoon Bualoi.

The Hanoi Drainage Company and related units will intensify supervision and implement anti-flooding measures in areas that often suffer from local inundation during heavy rain.

Key locations such as underpasses on Thang Long Avenue, provincial and national highways and main streets vulnerable to traffic congestion will receive special attention.

The construction department also asked drainage teams to track weather conditions in real time and respond promptly to ensure smooth urban drainage.

“Units must stay on duty around the clock and urgently lower water levels in drainage systems and regulating lakes to secure water flow across the capital,” it stated.

The Hanoi Green Park Company will inspect and reinforce newly planted trees to prevent falling or breakage, while pruning branches and reducing tree height to ensure safety during strong winds.

Clean water suppliers must guarantee stable water provision to meet residents’ daily needs during the storm.

Communes and wards were directed to activate disaster prevention and search-and-rescue plans, reinforce flood control and prevent tree collapses.

Local governments must also urge investors in urban areas to maintain and repair drainage systems, completing all work before October 5 under the construction department’s guidance.

“All units must coordinate with functional forces under the ‘four-on-site’ principle, promptly clear traffic, issue safety alerts for residents and vehicles before, during and after the storm and submit timely reports,” the department instructed.

The Department of Agriculture and Environment will lead irrigation and water management agencies to pump down water levels in canals, ditches, rivers and lakes to support urban drainage across the city.

Typhoon Matmo is the 11th tropical storm to hit the South China Sea (East Sea) this year.

According to the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting, Typhoon Matmo has strengthened to level 11 and continues to move west-northwest, about 530 kilometers from the Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago. Experts warn it may intensify further.

At 7 AM on October 4, the storm’s center was at 18.1 degrees north latitude and 116.5 degrees east longitude, around 470 kilometers east-northeast of Hoang Sa. Winds near the center reached level 11 (103–117 km/h), with gusts up to level 14. The storm was traveling west-northwest at roughly 25 km/h.

Meteorologists forecast that Hanoi will experience heavy rainfall and winds of level 4–5. Rain may start early on Monday, October 6, continue until noon and ease gradually in the afternoon and evening.

Rainfall in the city could range from 100 to 200 mm during the storm. Although weaker than storm Typhoon Bualoi, the downpour may still trigger local flooding. Authorities, residents and organizations are urged to prepare measures to reduce damage.

Early this week, Typhoon Bualoi dumped heavy rains over Hanoi on September 29 and 30, inundating many streets and residential areas across the city.