Localities asked to evacuate locals as storm Rammasun approaches

Nhan Dan – Localities were asked to evacuate local people from dangerous areas by 4 pm on July 18, as Typhoon Rammasun is expected to be about 270 km off the coast of Quang Ninh and Thai Binh tonight.

Hai Phong Border Guard soldiers help fishermen in Do Son brace for Rammasun. (Image credit: Nhan Dan)
Hai Phong Border Guard soldiers help fishermen in Do Son brace for Rammasun. (Image credit: Nhan Dan)

In his notice on July 17, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung ordered related ministries, agencies and local authorities to take all precautions against Rammasun, the second tropical typhoon in the East Sea so far this year.

They were required to postpone unnecessary meetings to focus on directing storm response work. This involved closely monitoring the movement of the storm and implementing synchronous measures to limit storm damage.

The PM urged coastal localities to complete evacuation of people in dangerous areas before 4 pm this afternoon. Such areas include low-lying coastal areas, estuaries, and areas at high risk of flash flooding or landslides, as well as residents working on fishing boats and aquaculture farms.

Relevant ministries and agencies are responsible for directing and co-ordinating with localities to immediately implement plans and prepare staff, facilities and resources to cope with the storm.

According to the National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF), as of 7 o’clock this morning, the storm’s eye was at 19.1 degrees north latitude, 112.3 degrees east longitude—about 570 km southeast of Mong Cai in Quang Ninh province—with sustained winds of 150–183 kph.

Localities asked to evacuate locals as storm Rammasun approaches ảnh 1

The projected path of the storm (Image credit: NCHMF)

The storm is expected to continue moving west-northwest and northwest at a speed of 20 kph over the next 24 hours.

As of 10 o’clock this evening, the eye of the storm is expected to be 270 km east-southeast of the coast between Quang Ninh and Thai Binh, packing winds of 134–149 kph. Intense rain will hit the northern and north-central parts of the country on the evening of July 18.

During the next 24 to 48 hours, the storm will move west-northwest and northwest at a speed of 20 kph. As of 10 pm tomorrow evening, the storm will most likely be located at about 22.2 degrees north latitude, 105.4 degrees east longitude, making landfall in the northeastern provinces and bringing with it winds up to 74 kph.

Border guard forces have activated 17,700 soldiers and 700 vehicles to co-ordinate with provinces and cities from Quang Ninh to Ba Ria–Vung Tau to inform and guide ships to safe shelter.

To date, nearly 59,000 fishing vessels and sea fisheries, with over 205,000 workers, have been notified of the approaching storm and warned to take preventive measures.

On July 17, national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines delayed 22 inbound and outbound flights, affecting over 3,000 passengers.

The typhoon has claimed the lives of at least 40 people in the Philippines.