Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai has established two teams to supervise storm control measures in Quang Ninh Province and Hai Phong City, the most likely regions to be hit by approaching Typhoon Vicente.
HA NOI -
The decision was made at an urgent meeting this morning.
Typhoon Vicente, the fourth tropical storm this year, was about 180km from eastern Leizhou Peninsula in China this morning.
It is forecast to hit northern Quang Ninh Province's Mong Cai District in the next 24 hours with wind speeds of up to 133 km per hour.
The typhoon will bring heavy rain of up to 400mm to northern coastal areas. Landslides and flash floods are also expected.
Deputy Prime MInister Hai told localities to warn vessels in the Bac Bo (Tonkin) Gulf to find safe shelter. Other vessels have been ordered not to leave port.
The two storm-prone localities have also been asked to evacuate residents and tourists if necessary.
Hai also asked authorities in the north region to examine construction works, reservoirs, mining sites and low-lying areas to avoid possible damage.
The central cities and provinces of Da Nang, Quang Ngai and Binh Dinh are keeping in touch with vessels in the Hoang Sa (Paracel) Archipelago. They have been told to move out of danger.
About 48,200 vessels with 186,060 crew members have been updated on the approach of the storm.
At present, about 8,240 of them are still at sea. - VNS