Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Cao Duc Phat told Quang Ninh province and Hai Phong City to urge vessels at sea to take shelter and get ready to deal with big rains and floods as Storm Kujira is forecast to land in Quang Ninh on June 23 night.

The storm is expected to bring downpour across the northeast region, particularly midland and mountainous areas, Director of the National Centre for Hydrometeorology Forecasting, Hoang Duc Cuong, said at an urgent meeting on June 23.

According to a report from the national steering committee for natural disaster prevention, by 11 am the same day, more than 300,000 people on boats and aquaculture farms at sea had been updated on the storm’s movement.

Quang Ninh’s authorities ordered the evacuation of fishermen at aquaculture farms within Cam Pha and Mong Cai areas before 5 pm, while Hai Phong city reported no vessels sailing far from coast. Do Son and Bach Long Vy districts have moved more than 800 ships to safe places.

Deputy Chief of the National Search and Rescue Committee’s Office Pham Van Ty said while it is not a strong storm, big rains are likely to cause floods and landslide in storm-hit areas.

The committee has thus far mobilised more than 31,400 personnel and almost 1,300 vehicles from helicopters to boats to timely deal with arising difficult situations. Defence Ministry’s units stationed in the region are also tasked with assisting when necessary.

VNA