PM urges authorities to take approaching storm seriously

Minh Nguyen - Anh Kiet

Aug 02, 2023 / 10:19 AM

Tropical storm Talim is looming in the East Sea. It is forecast to strengthen into a typhoon causing landfall in Northern Vietnam in the next few days.

Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh today [July 16] signed an official dispatch urging authorities to mobilize resources coping with tropical storm Talim heading towards the north.

Image: Himawari-9 visible satellite imagery at 2:56 UTC Sunday 16th with forecast track cone from the Joint Typhoon Warning Center

Chinh stated that tropical storm Talim tracking Northwestward in the East Sea (South China Sea), is forecast to strengthen into a typhoon or a severe typhoon upon strong wind in the Gulf of Tonkin, heavy rain, and landfall in coastal areas from July 17.

Prolonged rain and strong winds might cause flooding and landslides in Northern coastal areas, the Northeast, and the Red River basin.

For that reason, the direct order has been sent to ministries, namely the Ministry of Defense; Public Security, Natural Resources and Environment; Agriculture and Rural Development; Transport; Education and Training; Foreign Affairs; the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control; and the National Committee for Disaster Response and Rescue.

Localities subject to the order include Hanoi, Quang Ninh, Haiphong, Thai Binh, Nam Dinh, Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Hung Yen, Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, Hai Duong, Ha Nam, Hoa Binh, Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, Ha Giang, Lao Cai, Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La, Lang Son, Cao Bang, Yen Bai, Bac Kan, Tuyen Quang, and Thai Nguyen.

Functional agencies are asked to take action for good preparations and readiness ahead of the storm's approach, which is the first in 2023. Leaders of related ministries and localities are responsible for response to ensure the safety of fishermen and people while preventing and minimizing damage to the state and people.

Currently, tropical storm Talim is looming in the East Sea. During the next few days, it will generate threatening winds, waves, and rainfall.

Fuelled by warm water, Tropical Storm Talim is predicted to reach typhoon strength (sustained winds exceeding 118 km/h) in the next 24 hours, according to Australia-based Weatherzone.

Image: Rainfall totals from 12 UTC Saturday 15th to 0 UTC Thursday, 20th, according to the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) model.

Hanoi braces for Typhoon Talim's landfall

At 10:00 a.m. on July 17, the center of the storm was located at 20.4 degrees north latitude and 112.8 degrees east longitude, about 280 kilometers east of Leizhou Peninsula.

Hanoi's authorities have issued a directive on measures to prevent and control the impact of Typhoon Talim. According to Nguyen Duy Du, head of the Hanoi Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, Search and Rescue, the risk of trees falling during storms is always a constant concern in Hanoi.

"The pruning of trees at risk of falling is carried out regularly, especially in recent days as the storm Talim approaches northern Vietnam. Since the beginning of 2023, Hanoi has pruned more than 150,000 trees," Du said.

He added that the city is also taking measures to anticipate possible flooding. "The main shaft culvert system has been dredged to keep the flow free so that the water can reach the pumping stations as quickly as possible," Du stressed. The Hanoi government has asked the Department of Construction to inspect degraded residential areas at risk of collapse. District authorities have been asked to help people strengthen their houses to prevent the risk of heavy rain, strong winds, thunderstorms, and whirlwinds from the storm.

At present, all 30 districts in the city have completed plans for natural disaster prevention and control, search, and rescue, which can be put into practice to cope with the possible impact of Typhoon Talim, Du said, adding that the more than 10,000 people and 299 vehicles would be mobilized for the purpose.

To deal with the aftermath (if any) of the storm, the city has approved a contingency plan for the entire year of 2023. Accordingly, the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade has coordinated with businesses to store goods to ensure that the needs of 250,000 people can be fully met for seven consecutive days in case of natural disasters.

Vietnam U22 stage dramatic comeback to defeat Thailand and claim SEA Games gold

Vietnam U22 overturned a two-goal deficit to defeat Thailand U22 3-2 after extra time, confirming their growing dominance in Southeast Asian football.

18 Dec, 11:14 PM

Vietnam, Germany seek more sustainable economic, trade cooperation to boost 50-year ties

Through a seminar in Hanoi, half a century of friendship and cooperation between the two countries has been reviewed, while opening further avenues to promote bilateral ties in the next phase.

18 Dec, 07:12 PM

Independence and integration: Vietnam’s power of balance

Vietnam’s shift from participant to proactive contributor in shaping global norms reflects its rising confidence, deeper engagement in rule-making and commitment to stability and shared development.

18 Dec, 04:15 PM

Sweden nurtures road safety for children in Vietnam

In Vietnam’s traffic context, proper helmet use for children is a critical measure to reduce fatalities and serious injuries, drawing on lessons from Sweden’s comprehensive approach that combines safe infrastructure, strict enforcement and community education.

18 Dec, 08:08 AM

First nonstop air route between Vietnam and Northern Europe launched

The new route marks an important step in the national flag carrier’s European expansion strategy for 2025-2030, meeting increasing demand for travel, trade and family visits between Vietnam and the Nordic region.

18 Dec, 07:56 AM

Cultural contest connects Vietnamese youth in Japan with President Ho Chi Minh

A children’s cultural contest held in Tokyo has helped nurture pride, creativity and a deep connection to President Ho Chi Minh among Vietnamese families living across Japan.

16 Dec, 10:01 PM

Vietnam strengthens role in ASEAN after 30 years of membership

Apart from economics, Vietnam has strengthened ASEAN unity and centrality by contributing across all three pillars, from political-security to economic and socio-cultural cooperation, including maritime security, climate action, digital transformation and people-centered development.

16 Dec, 09:25 PM

First technical flight safely lands at Vietnam’s US$16-billion international airport

Long Thanh International Airport in Vietnam's southern province of Dong Nai, with an investment of more than US$16 billion, is expected to welcome 25 million passengers each year once operational.

16 Dec, 08:45 AM