Highest rainfall in Hanoi and Thai Nguyen, PM requests measures tackling flash floods
The torrential rains, triggered by Typhoon Matmo's circulation and strong high-altitude wind convergence, have pummeled Vietnam's northern provinces.
THE HANOI TIMES — Many part of the northern province of Thai Nguyen and the capital city of Hanoi have been submerged following relentless downpours up to 500mm until October 8 morning.
According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, Hanoi and Thai Nguyen were the hardest hit, with rainfall average 200mm. Particularly, during October 6 night (between 7 PM and 7 AM), meteorological stations recorded peaks of 348mm in Vinh Thanh Commune of Hanoi and highest rainfall total of 526 mm in Hoa Thuong Commune of Thai Nguyen.
The floods forced schools across multiple northern provinces, including Hanoi and Thai Nguyen, to suspend in-person learning to shift to online or closing entirely to keep students safe.
All water drainage pumping stations in Hanoi operate at full capacity
According to the Hanoi Drainage Company, the city recorded average rainfall of 200mm, with peaks of 348mm in Vinh Thanh, 334mm in O Cho Dua, 248mm in Tu Liem and 257mm in Dai Mo.
All water drainage pumping stations across Hanoi operate at their full capacity to address the severe flooding. Photo courtesy of the Hanoi Drainage Company
Flooding has been reported across all parts of Hanoi in the To Lich River basin, the Nhue River basin and the Long Bien River basin. All 25 water drainage pumping stations across the city have been operating at full capacity.
At multiple flooded sites, workers have been stationed to monitor the situation and install warning signs to ensure the safety of pedestrians and vehicles while monitoring traffic.
According to the Department of Irrigation Works Management and Construction under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, up to 276 pumping stations operated for flood drainage in northern localities.
Authorities have put warning signs on a severely flooded street. Photo courtesy of the Hanoi Drainage Company
In addition, a total of 10,476 hectares of rice and crops have been flooded or damaged.
The department has urged local authorities and reservoir operators to closely monitor weather evolution, water levels and the condition of structures, especially for critical reservoirs.
Thai Nguyen Province issues emergency alert
Thai Nguyen's meteorological station on October 7 evening issued an urgent warning of historic flooding on the Cau River. The flood peak is projected to reach 3 meters above alarm level 3, the highest that exceeded the extremely dangerous thresholds.
A sinkhole in the northern province of Thai Nguyen is about 50 square meters and 10 meter deep. Photo: Thai Nguyen Newspaper
With the ground already saturated, authorities warn that landslides are highly likely in 93 communes and wards across the province.
Local authorities have urged residents in high-risk zones to evacuate to safe locations and instructed emergency teams to maintain around-the-clock monitoring and carry out all necessary flood response measures to safeguard lives and property.
As of 7:30 PM on October 7, torrential rains and flooding left three dead and three missing in the province.
Aerial view of flooded Linh Son Ward of the northern province of Thai Nguyen due to Typhoon Matmo. Photo: Thai Nguyen Newspaper
Prime Minister’s direction
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on October 7 night issued an official dispatch, requesting concerted measures to effectively respond to and control floods, flash floods and landslides following Typhoon Matmo.
The Government leader instructed local authorities in affected areas to work closely with the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security to implement urgent flood-control measures to proactively evacuate residents, reinforce dikes and ensure the safety of reservoirs and dams, while conducting search and rescue activities and mitigating the impacts of natural disasters.
Authorities were asked to mobilizing all available forces, equipment and supplies to respond immediately to incidents, and reaching isolated areas to deliver food and essential aid.
Many people in Thai Nguyen run to rooftops to avoid floods. Photo: Thai Nguyen Newspaper
Chinh also requested the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to monitor and forecast conditions, promptly providing flood and rainfall information to localities and the public for proactive response.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade was tasked with ensuring the safety of hydropower reservoirs and maintaining secure electricity supply in flood-affected areas.
The PM assigned Deputy PM Tran Hong Ha to keep directing relevant ministries and localities to closely monitor the situation and promptly implement flood prevention and mitigation measures.
Rescue forces race against time to save trapped people. Photo: Thai Nguyen Provincial Police
