A sinkhole in Quang Ninh's 18B National Highway on Aug 21. - Photo: VNA/VNS
QUANG NINH, (Vietnam): On Saturday (Aug 24) morning the Quang Ninh Provincial Hydrometeorological Station reported that in the past 24 hours, the province had experienced moderate to heavy rainfall, with some places recording extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 100mm.
In Cam Pha City, the rainfall measured at several locations, including Cua Ong Meteorological Station, was 105.8mm, and the City People's Committee recorded 110.6mm.
In Co To District, Tran Island recorded 123.8mm, while the centre of Co To District recorded 69.2mm.
In Van Don District, rainfall at Khe Mai was measured at 98.4mm, and Long Dinh at 192.0mm.
Heavy rainfall has caused the soil moisture in several areas of Quang Ninh Province to near saturation (80-85 per cent) or reach full saturation over 90 per cent, such as in Ha Long City, Uong Bi, Cam Pha, Mong Cai, Dong Trieu Town, Quang Yen, and the districts of Ba Che, Van Don, Tien Yen, Dam Ha, and Hai Ha.
With the ongoing heavy rains and the soil moisture nearing or reaching full saturation, there is a high risk of flash floods, landslides, and ground subsidence along small streams, mountain slopes, steep embankments, roads, and areas with ongoing construction.
Localised flooding in low-lying areas within districts, cities, and towns across the province is also expected.
Forecasts indicate that due to the influence of a low-pressure trough across the northern region combined with continued upper-level wind convergence, Quang Ninh Province will continue to experience moderate to heavy rain, with some places receiving very heavy rainfall and thunderstorms from the morning of Aug 24 to the morning of Aug 25.
Rainfall amounts will generally range from 30-70mm, with some locations exceeding 100mm.
From noon on Aug 25 to the morning of Aug 26, Quang Ninh Province is expected to have scattered showers and thunderstorms.
During thunderstorms, there is a potential for whirlwinds, lightning, and strong gusty winds.
Earlier, on August 12, the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee issued a document to implement a directive from the Prime Minister, regarding focused response to the risk of rain, floods, landslides, and flash floods in the northern region.
The province has directed that there be no negligence or complacency before, during, or after the rains and floods, especially in mountainous areas and regions involved in coal mining.
The province has emphasised the need to thoroughly implement the principles of "three prior, four on-the-spot," "early, from afar, from the base," and the motto "actively, proactively, prevent and be ready to respond promptly and effectively," in preparation for and dealing with the consequences of rains and floods, with a firm resolve to prevent any loss of life and minimise property damage.
Prolonged heavy rains cause significant disruption in Cao Bang
From August 22 to 23, prolonged heavy rains caused water levels in rivers and streams in Cao Bang Province to rise significantly.
This led to the flooding of several agricultural land areas, with many transportation routes submerged under deep water and numerous roads suffering from landslides.
According to a report from the Office of the Steering Committee for Civil Defence, Disaster Prevention, and Search and Rescue in Cao Bang Province, preliminary statistics show that over 145 hectares of rice fields and crops were inundated due to the inability to drain floodwaters in time.
The most affected districts were Ha Quang with over 100 hectares and Trang Khanh with more than 38 hectares.
Regarding transportation, many sections of the Ho Chi Minh road from Ha Quang to Cao Bang City were deeply submerged, with water levels ranging from 0.5 to 1 metre, particularly in Xuan Hoa Town and Na Ri Hamlet, Nam Tuan Commune in Ha Quang District, and Nuoc Hai Town in Hoa An District.
On National Highway 3, the section passing through Bach Dang Commune in Hoa An District experienced severe landslides, causing traffic congestion.
Provincial Road 202 developed a deep sinkhole at Km10+500 (in Yen Lac Commune, Nguyen Binh District), resulting in road blockage.
Additionally, dozens of locations on rural roads and inter-hamlet roads were affected by landslides, leading to traffic disruption.
In Trieu Nguyen Commune, Nguyen Binh District, Le Loi Hamlet Kindergarten and Binh An Hamlet Primary School were struck by lightning, causing damage to some electrical equipment.
In response to these conditions, the Steering Committee for Civil Defence, Disaster Prevention, and Search and Rescue in Cao Bang province has collaborated with local authorities to closely monitor the situation and prepare for emergency scenarios.
They have instructed units to regularly maintain and install warning signs, assign personnel to guard and guide road diversions, and transport rocks to fill temporary holes to ensure traffic safety.
In flooded areas, local forces have been mobilised to urgently assist residents in moving their belongings to safer locations. - Vietnam News/ANN
