Storm No. 12 is moving towards provinces from Quang Tri to Phu Yen and is likely to weaken to a tropical low-pressure system after making landfall.
At a November 2 meeting Flood and Storm Prevention and Control Steering Committee Head and Minister of Agricultural and Rural Development (MARD) Cao Duc Phat urged localities to monitor the storm’s movements closely and keep all sea-bound vessels informed of any important developments.
National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting Deputy Director Le Thanh Hai warned the storm, despite weakening, is still likely to cause heavy rains in northern coastal provinces from November 4 to 7.
The areas from the 15th parallel north to the 20th parallel south face the greatest danger on November 2–3. The storm will directly impact provinces from Quang Tri to Phu Yen.
As of 6 am on November 2, border guards and local authorities have helped around 74,000 vessels and their 360,000 crewmembers find safe shelter ahead of the storm’s arrival.
Localities and Ministry of National Defence (MoND) forces are implementing preventative measures.
The MoND has sent three telegrams completing preparations and placing relevant search and rescue forces on standby.
The fishing boat BD95532, owned by Binh Dinh province’s Hoai Huong village resident Nguyen Huu Kha, issued a distress signal more than 130 nautical miles off Phu Quy Island.
Fourteen fishermen are onboard. Another fishing boat responded and is expected to guide the vessel to safe anchor in Binh Thuan’s Mui Ne Port sometime after sunset on November 2.
Binh Dinh Flood and Storm Prevention and Control Steering Committee Chief Phan Xuan Hai said 512 vessels with more than 3,900 fishermen onboard have found shelter, temporarily halting their operations on the traditional fishing grounds of the Truong Sa (Spratly) Islands.
In Phu Yen province, 196 vessels carrying more than 1,000 fishermen have fled designated danger areas. Sixty-five vessels anchored on Song Tu Tay Island.
By noon on November 2, Thua Thien-Hue province has recalled nearly 1,800 vessels back to shore. Only 8 are currently on their way. The province has asked reservoirs to release as much water as possible to limit lowland flooding.
Border guards and local authorities are encouraging residents to proactively prepare for the storm’s potential impacts.(VOV)
