The Central Steering Committee for Storm and Flood Prevention and Control has convened a meeting to discuss measures to cope with super Typhoon Hagupit which is expected to make landfall in the East Sea on the night of December 8.

The typhoon is forecast to be combined with a cold spell to trigger downpours in south-central Vietnam several days later.

At the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai asked ministries, sectors and localities to stay on high alert for the typhoon and seriously respond to the telegram of the Central Steering Committee for Storm and Flood Prevention and Control.

He underlined the importance of closely following the developments of the typhoons, updating information on ships operating on the sea to ensure that they seek shelters and ensure the safety of reservoirs.

The typhoon is forecast to move into the East Sea on the night of December 8 and hit the south-central of Vietnam, from Phu Yen to Binh Thuan on December 11-12 coupled with heavy rain and cold air.

Hai asked ministries, agencies and localities to keep a close watch on the movement of the storm and keep officials on duty round the clock for emergencies.

The Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development, Industry and Trade are requested to check operations and water level of reservoirs.

On the night of December 6, Hagupit whipped along across the eastern coasts of the Philippines, packing wind of up to 210 km per hour and becoming the most powerful storm ever this year.

VOV/VNN