Storm Noul to bring heavy rain from September 17 afternoon

According to the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting, on the afternoon of September 17, storm Noul is forecast to be about 450 km to the southeast of Vietnam’s Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago, off the central coast, with a maximum wind speed of 90 kph. On September 18, it will be moving west and north-west at a speed of 15 km per hour and is likely to become stronger.

Over the next 36 to 48 hours, the typhoon will move in the west direction at a speed of about 25 km per hour, then move further inland and weaken into a tropical depression in Thailand's area.

From the afternoon of September 17 to the night of September 18, heavy downpours are expected to hit the provinces from Ha Tinh to Quang Ngai with the average rainfall of between 200 and 300 mm, even over 400 mm in some areas.

In order to cope with risks of flashfloods and landslides, the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control have instructed provinces to keep a close watch on the weather forecasts and warnings about floods.

In addition, residents and local authorities must be informed in a timely manner to take preventive measures so as minimise losses in human lives and property.

Localities need to come up with plans to cope with flashflood and landslides and mobilized all resources to deal with the aftermath of the natural disasters, the committee said.

One day earlier on September 16, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc issued a notice, urging relevant ministries, agencies and localities to keep a close eye on the development of Storm Noul and devise specific tasks.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will update about the storm for people and relevant agencies.

The Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control will inform vessels of dangerous areas, and direct ministries, agencies and localities in response efforts.