Floods, landslides accompany storm

HA NOI — The eye of Storm Chanthu was above China's Guangxi Zhuang Province, about 70km northeast of Viet Nam's northern Cao Bang Province, yesterday triggering heavy rain, flash floods and landslides in the northern highlands.

The National Flood and Storm Control Committee reported flash floods and landslides in Lao Cai, Ha Giang, Yen Bai, Son La and Lai Chau Provinces.

A flash flood halted traffic in Ta Phoi Commune, Lao Cai City, for hours.

It also damaged four bridges and caused eight landslides in Tan Phuong Commune, Yen Bai Province.

The landslides damaged several irrigation systems and halted traffic.

The heavy rain is forecast to continue for the next several days.

Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai has instructed officials from coastal Quang Ninh to Quang Ngai provinces to monitor the storm and prepare to evacuate residents necessary.

Ha Noi Sewerage and Drainage One-State Member Co Ltd deputy director Vo Tien Hung said its employees were working around the clock to avoid floods in the city.

Water in the Yen So reservoir, rivers and canals had been reduced to the lowest level and the necessary machines and equipment installed in flood-prone areas.

Chanthu is expected to roll the Viet Nam-China border and weaken. — VNS