Lao Cai and Ha Giang brace for landslides

Landslides and flooding are forecasted to hit the northern mountainous provinces of Lao Cai and Ha Giang after Storm Wipham.

Landslides and flooding are forecasted to hit the northern mountainous provinces of Lao Cai and Ha Giang after Storm Wipham.

  

Lao Cai and Ha Giang brace for landslides

According to the National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting, heavy rains caused by Storm Wipham has filled up the rivers, lakes and reservoirs in mountainous areas, posing a high risk of landslides and floodings in Vi Xuyen, Hoang Su Phi, Xi Man of Ha Giang Province and Bac Ha, Bao Yen, Bat Xat and Bao Thang of Lao Cai Province.

As of August 5, the water level in Thao River, Yen Bai Province, was 30.93 metres and 58.5 metres in Ma River, Thanh Hoa Province. The amount of water that flew into Hoa Binh Reservoir on August 4 was recorded at 7,722 cubic metres per second.

The northern and north-central regions have 33 reservoirs that will discharge when they overflow. 113 reservoirs have deteriorated and 56 reservoirs that are still incomplete.

On August 4, the authorities in Hanoi, Hung Yen, and Thanh Hoa provinces reported four problems with the embankments. Hung Yen provincial authorities reported erosion near the embankment at the Red River. The local Committee for Disaster Prevention and Control - Search and Rescue has inspected the site for suitable solutions.

Erosion was also reported in Hanoi. The embankment in Ung Hoa District showed signs of deterioration last year and the situation has worsened. Thanh Hoa authorities reported an 80-metre-long erosion.

The National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting forecasted that the northern region will have 40-80mm of rainfall on August 5 and 6. The rainfall in some places may reach 100mm.