Vietnam military mobilizes for tropical storm response amid heavy rain warnings

Vietnam's military is on high alert following an urgent directive from the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army to prepare for and respond to severe flooding and natural disasters. The directive comes in response to Tropical Storm No. 4, which has intensified over the Gulf of Tonkin.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the storm is forecast to bring widespread heavy rainfall across the northeastern region from August 21 to 24. While most affected areas are expected to receive between 100-200 mm, some locations, including Lạng Sơn, Bắc Ninh, Quảng Ninh, and Hải Phòng, could see rainfall totals ranging from 200-300 mm, with isolated areas potentially exceeding 500 mm.

In response, military units are ordered to maintain strict readiness, continuously monitor the storm's development, and prepare necessary resources and personnel for immediate deployment. Regional commands are tasked with identifying key disaster-prone areas, including those at risk of flash floods, landslides, and levee breaches. They are also directed to assist local authorities in helping residents harvest aquaculture and agricultural products, secure homes, and evacuate those living in high-risk zones to safety.

The Border Guard Command is specifically instructed to coordinate with coastal provinces from Quảng Ninh to Thanh Hóa. This involves verifying the status of all vessels at sea, disseminating storm warnings, guiding ships to safe havens, and ensuring the safety of boats docked in ports. The Air Defense-Air Force and the 18th Air Transport Brigade are to stand by for search and rescue operations, while communication units and Viettel are tasked with ensuring telecommunications services remain operational in affected areas and restoring connectivity if disruptions occur.