Forces on standby, Rammasun heads for north coast

(VOV) - Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai has asked localities to postpone unnecessary meetings and put forces on standby to cope with typhoon Rammasun which is heading for the north-central coast and expected to make landfall on July 19.

At an online meeting in Hanoi on July 17, Hai warned that Rammarun, the second to hit the East Sea and the first to strike Vietnam this year, is a highly destructive storm that could cause huge damage when slamming the mainland.

It is dangerous that the typhoon is forecast to ravage northern and central coastal localities from Thanh Hoa to Quang Ninh, bringing winds of up to 150km/h, dumping heavy rain of up to 200-300mm, and causing high sea surges.

The Deputy PM asked the designated localities to release a fishing ban as of July 17 to ensure the safety of all fishermen.

He directed these provinces to evacuate residents and tourists from low-lying and coastal areas before 16.00pm on July 18.

It is necessary to evacuate residents from flood-prone areas in northern mountain areas in the event of flash floods and landslides, he said.

Priority will be given to monitoring dams and reservoirs, trimming big trees, reinforcing houses and public works, and ensuring transportation and communications.

Tracking the storm: Rammasun is forecast to make landfall on July 19

After ripping through the Philippines on July 16, Rammasun weakened a bit, but it is picking up energy from the warm waters when entering the East Sea.

At 07.00 am on July 17, Rammasun was 390km south east of the Hoang Sa (Paracel) islands, packing winds of between 118-149km/h.

In the next 24 hours, the storm is forecast to move between west and north west at a speed of 20-25km/h.  

By 06.00am on July 17, nearly 59,000 fishing boats and caged fish farms had been informed of the development of the powerful storm. 

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