Heavy rains to continue in south central region

Heavy rains are forecast to continue in south-central provinces, while local authorities and people are trying to surmount the consequences of floods that have hit the region over recent days.

Rainfall from Quang Tri to Binh Dinh province over the past three days averaged 150-300mm, but reached 500mm and 740mm in some areas such as Thua Thien-Hue and Quang Ngai.

Prolonged torrential rains of up to 982mm in mountainous Tra Bong district in Quang Ngai caused double floods and with the rising water levels in local rivers sitting off the alarm.

Most water reservoirs in the central region have begun discharging flood water. Ten of eleven reservoirs in Quang Ngai exceeded their overflow levels.

The Director of the National Hydrometeorological Forecast Centre, Bui Minh Tang, said heavy rains will continue during the next few days,with storms tending to move southwards through the provinces of Quang Ngai to Phu Yen.

Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai instructed authorities of south-central provinces to stay alert to the progress of rains and floods to minimise losses to human life and property at an urgent online meeting with the National Steering Committee for Flood and Storm Control and local authorities on November 17.

Torrential rains have triggered floods in south-central provinces over recent days, killing 12 people and leaving two missing.

More than 44,500 households and many roads and highways in the region have been submerged 0.2-2m under floods water.