Storm Noul, the fifth in Vietnam this year, will cause moderate to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in downtown Hanoi from September 18 to 20, according to the National Hydrometeorological Forecast Center (NCHMF).

The average precipitation brought by storm Noul is estimated to be about 50 - 80mm. Besides, whirlwinds, lightning and strong winds may occur in many areas in Hanoi city, the center said.

Location and direction of movement of storm No.5. Photo: NCHMF

The effects of storm Noul will be combined with those of the cold snap that is expected to hit the northern provinces and cities of Vietnam, including Hanoi. This is the first rain combined with cold weather of the season in the capital city, the NCHMF noted.

Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung, head of the Central Steering Committee for the Prevention and Control of Natural Disasters, held an urgent meeting with ministries, branches and localities on September 16 to discuss measures to address the storm and their aftermath, including flash floods and landslides.

According to the NCHMF, the tropical depression in the East Sea, internationally known as the South China Sea, had intensified in the early morning of September 16 to the fifth storm this year, strong level 8, wind gust level 10. In the next 48 to 72 hours, the storm will further strengthen and land the provinces from Quang Binh to Danang with levels 11 to 12 and level 13.

Deputy PM Trinh Dinh Dung said this is a powerful storm and high tide is expected. Hence, people should be very vigilant and on high alert.

It is expected that around half a million residents will be at risk and would have to be evacuated when the hurricane strikes and students may not go to school for safety reasons. In particular, it may be necessary to activate warning messages for participants in affected areas.

Local authorities need to actively review evacuation and relocation plans, prepare armed forces and means to implement plans to ensure the safety of people’s lives in dangerous areas, especially in coastal areas, estuaries, areas at risk of deep flooding, landslides.

Mr. Dung emphasized that the municipalities will continue to coordinate with the border forces and the fishing and transportation sectors in the control and counting of ships at sea and that the sailing will be strictly controlled.

For mountain and midland areas, the deputy PM called for areas prone to inundation, flash floods and landslides to check their preparation to proactively evacuate and relocate the population to higher ground if necessary.