More storms are likely to occur this year and earlier than they did last year, warned the Central Steering Committee for Flood and Storm Prevention and Control and the National Search and Rescue Committee in a meeting, on March 3.

Bui Minh Tang, Director of the National Hydro Meteorological Forecasting Centre stated that the low pressure in the South East Sea this year will turn into a tropical depression, causing rough seas off the Vietnam coastline and persistent rainfall in many southern parts of the country. 

It is forecast that during the storm season this year, there will be at least seven or eight hurricanes that will hit Vietnam earlier than usual, the first time such a phenomenon will occur during the dry season in the past 20 years, reported the National Hydro Meteorological Forecasting Centre.  

Storms with winds of level 6-7, blowing at 45-62 km per hour and some upto 75-87 km per hour, accompanied with gusts of upto 88-112 km per hour, along with heavy showers and thunderstorms, can be expected, reported the National Weather Bureau.

The Central Steering Committee for Storm and Flood Prevention and Control also warns that in addition, there will be draught and hot days in the Central Provinces. 

In 2011, natural disasters claimed 295 lives, more than 270 were wounded and other losses and damage amounted to VND12.7 billion. 

Storms in the East Sea will affect all regions between Thanh Hoa to Ca Mau Provinces. 

The depression may also cause heavy rains and floods in many southern provinces and cities, including Bien Hoa, Da Lat, Phu Quoc, Can Tho, Hau Giang and Ho Chi Minh City, reported the weather bureau. 

The depression is an uncommon weather phenomenon as it is the first that has appeared during the dry season in the past 20 years, said experts at the National Hydro Meteorological Forecasting Centre.

Yesterday the Central Steering Board for Flood and Storm Prevention and Control and the National Search and Rescue Committee instructed all their local units in the coastal regions from Mong Cai to Ca Mau to take all precautionary measures necessary to cope with the storm.

Vice PM Hoang Trung Hai , speaking at the conference held in the central coastal city of Nha Trang has instructed the coastal authorities to inform of the impending developments of the depression to all boats at sea, so they can avoid affected areas and seek shelter from the storm, well in time. 

He also requested the ministries of Defence, Transport and Foreign Affairs to assign their staff to work round-the-clock to follow the developments of the depression and give support to local authorities whenever necessary. They must map out a plan to cope with global climate change and follow the results.  

Furthermore, the local authorities should intensify the task of examining all dykes and carry out on spot repairs and fortification to ease losses and damages caused by natural calamities. 

Source: SGGP