Vietnam prepares for typhoon Kalmaegi

Hanoi, September 17 (VNA) - Vietnam is on high alert as typhoon Kalmaegi, the third tropical storm this year, is forecast to make landfall between the northern province of Quang Ninh and the central province of Nghe An on September 16. In response to the typhoon, the Prime Minister requested local authorities, ministries and agencies evacuate residents in low-lying areas, and help vessels anchor in safety. In addition to tracking the storm’s movement, they were also asked to ensure the safety of dykes, irrigation systems and construction sites. The Ministry of Transport will develop safety measures for all vehicles, while the Ministry of Industry and Trade is responsible for providing support to isolated areas. The Central Steering Board for Flood Prevention and Control, and the National Committee for Search and Rescue will oversee and direct all the actions necessary to minimise losses. The public can track the latest movements of the storm via the media. In the next 24 hours, the eye of the storm is likely to hit the northeast and weaken into a tropical low pressure area, with winds of 61km/hour. On September 16, the national carrier Vietnam Airlines cancelled four flights between Da Nang and Hai Phong, and Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong. In Thai Binh province, over 1,130 fishing vessels with 1,230 fishermen on board were called back while in mountainous Ha Giang and Lai Chau provinces, households in landslide and flash flood-prone areas were evacuated. After sweeping out of the Philippines, Kalmaegi headed towards Hong Kong, bringing strong winds and rain that caused flight disruptions and forced the closure of the stock market and container ports. In the morning of September 16, the storm made landfall in China’s Hainan island province.-VNA