Vietnam braces for super typhoon Mangkhut

• Thanh Hoa supports flood-hit residents after storm
• At least seven die, go missing due to storm Bebinca
• Over 600,000 military personnel ready to respond to storm Bebinca

The statement was made by delegates at a meeting of the Central Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Control in Hanoi on September 15. 

According to representatives from the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF), super typhoon Mangkhut will enter the north of the East Sea to become the sixth typhoon to hit Vietnam this year. 

In response to the threat posed by the storm, coastal localities from Quang Ninh to Nghe An have taken urgent measures to ensure safety for all docking areas, evacuating residents from high-risk areas such as coastal and lowland areas and areas prone to flashfloods and landslides. 

Mr Do Huy Phuong from the National Committee for Disaster Preparedness and Search and Rescue said relevant forces are on duty at major locations ready to deal with any emergency situations. 

The localities of Quang Ninh and Hai Phong are urged to join hands in coping with the typhoon as there are a large number of tourist boats and other vessels operating in these regions. 

Mr Nguyen Truong Son Deputy Chief of Office of the Vietnam Standing Central Steering Committee on Disaster Preparedness said after making landfall in the Philippines, typhoon Mangkhut will continue its path towards Vietnam’s mainland, bringing torrential rain and strong winds. 

Mr Son said the storm will hit the mainland on September 17 and localities are urged to advise vessels to find safe harbour during the typhoon, carry out evacuations for residents in low-lying areas and to devise plans to ensure safety for lowland areas.