On November 9, the chairman of the Quang Ngai People's Committee issued instructions to provincial departments, agencies and local authorities to implement measures against the risk of flooding, flash floods and landslides caused by heavy rain.
Quang Ngai is forecast to face the biggest rain spell of the year, raising the risk of widespread flooding (Illustrative photo: Quoc Trieu).
Under the directive, commune, ward and special-zone authorities must closely monitor warnings of heavy rain, floods, inundation and landslides, review their contingency plans and ensure they are ready to respond. They have been urged to take all necessary precautions to prevent avoidable damage.
Local authorities must arrange the evacuation of residents from unsafe areas, particularly locations at risk of landslides, flash floods and sudden torrents, as well as low-lying areas prone to flooding.
They must also deploy personnel to guard and control access for people and vehicles at submerged crossings, flooded roads and locations where landslides have occurred or are likely to happen.
The provincial chairman also instructed relevant agencies to inspect hydropower and irrigation reservoirs to ensure the absolute safety of the facilities and downstream areas.
On November 9, the Quang Ngai Port Management Board also decided to suspend passenger services on the Sa Ky-Ly Son sea route. The agency said complicated weather conditions, with winds reaching force 6 and gusts of force 7, had made it unsafe for passenger vessels to go to sea.
According to the Quang Ngai Provincial Hydro-Meteorological Centre, a cold air mass is expected to bring what could be the heaviest rainfall of the year to the province between November 9 and 11.
Total rainfall across coastal, lowland and mountainous areas in the eastern part of the province is forecast to range from 300mm to 500mm.
The heavy downpours are expected to create a very high risk of flooding, flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas and on steep slopes.
