Hanoi, northern provinces on high alert for floods after Typhoon Matmo
Vietnam's northern localities have been directed to restrict traffic in unsafe zones and prevent fatalities.
THE HANOI TIMES — Northern provinces are on high alert as the National Civil Defense Steering Committee on October 7 urged immediate action to tackle heavy rains, flash floods, and landslide risks triggered by the remnants of Typhoon Matmo, which continue to batter the region, including Hanoi.
According to the national weather forecasting agency, due to the storm’s circulation, moderate to heavy rain and torrential downpours will continue across the northern region, including Hanoi.
Rainfall may reach from 40mm to 300mm per hour in most of the localities.
Flooding at intersection of Le Duc Tho Street and Ho Tung Mau Street, Hanoi on October 7. Photo: Anh Kiet/The Hanoi Times
Water levels in major rivers, including the Cau, Thuong and Luc Nam, as well as in rivers in the northern provinces of Cao Bang and Lang Son, are expected to keep rising between October 7 and 10. Peak flooding on these rivers is forecast to surpass warning level 3, signaling the risk of exceptionally large floods.
The National Civil Defense Steering Committee requested local authorities to strictly comply with the prime minister’s Directive No.188/CĐ-TTg issued on October 6 on prompt preparedness against floods, flash floods and landslides.
Provinces and cities are asked to inspect river embankments and dykes, reinforce vulnerable points and be ready with personnel, equipment and materials to protect key dyke sections.
Local media are urged to intensify coverage of rainfall and flood evolution, while rescue forces must remain on standby in response to emergencies.
Tuyen Quang border guards evacuate residents to safe areas. Photo: Tuyen Quang Newspaper
Essential supplies, equipment and food must be pre-positioned in locations likely to face isolation. Ministries involved are to coordinate the military, police and local forces in disaster prevention, search and rescue, post-disaster recovery, as well as forecasts and warnings.
The downpour follows several days of heavy rain linked to Typhoon Bualoi, which have left many areas waterlogged, reservoirs full and rivers swollen, creating a very high risk of flash floods, landslides and severe flooding in northern mountainous, midland and north-central regions, as well as inundation in low-lying areas.
Hanoi focuses on prompt water drainage
Hanoi's authorities have run all major pumping stations nonstop to cope with flooding due to torrential rains.
A quick report on the drainage situation at noon on October 7 by the Hanoi Hydro-Meteorological Station showed that the city has recorded widespread rain of 100mm to 180mm.
In this afternoon, Hanoi and neighboring areas will continue to have moderate to heavy rain, with total accumulated rainfall ranging from 30mm to 60mm, higher in some places. Heavy rain causes the risk of flooding in many places.
Drainage workers of Drainage Enterprise No.8 on duty at the flooded area on Le Loi Street in Hanoi. Photo: Kinh te & Do thi Newspaper
Between 6 AM and 11 AM today, downpour and gale persisted across Hanoi, with rainfall reaching 40mm to 70mm or even more than 100mm in certain places, according to the Hanoi Hydro-Meteorological Station.
The Hanoi Sewerage and Drainage Company deployed staff to key flood-prone areas and operated all pumping stations at maximum capacity, including Yen So (20/20 pumps in use), Cau Buou, Dong Bong 1 and 2, Co Nhue, and Da Sy to rapidly lower water levels and ensure safe traffic flow in low-lying areas.
Drainage teams remain on standby, clearing clogged drains and operating pumping stations as required, the company said, adding that it will continue to monitor weather conditions and adjust operations to ensure effective drainage and urban safety.
The city’s hydro-meteorological station warned that flooding could disrupt traffic and damage infrastructure, affecting socio-economic activities.
Authorities have been urged to take prompt preventive measures, while residents are advised to stay indoors during periods of heavy rain and flooding for their safety.
Hanoi police helps a resident at Huynh Thuc Khang Street in Hanoi which is flooded on October 7 morning due to heavy rains overnight. Photo: Kinh te & Do thi
On October 6, Tran Sy Thanh, Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, directed local authorities to strengthen the city’s response to Typhoon Matmo, urging full implementation of central and municipal directives on disaster prevention and control.
The city’s Civil Defense Command called on departments, sectors, and communes to closely monitor weather conditions, issue timely warnings, and enhance public awareness of safety and prevention measures.
