Deputy PM calls for more drastic, effective rescue efforts to support landslide victims

Both the sites in Phong Dien District, Thua Thien Hue, have suffered from landslides due to the heavy rains and flooding in the central region in recent days. The hydropower plants has been isolated by flooding and landslides since October 12, leaving 17 workers missing at the site.

A 21-strong search and rescue team, including local officials and the military, were also hit by a landslide on their way to Rao Trang 3 on October 13, leaving 13 missing.

Against the incidents, Deputy PM Dung affirmed that the PM and the Government will do their best, focusing on directing the most responsible, fastest and most effective search and rescue work in order to minimise the damage.

Dung urged local authorities, as well as the concerned ministries, agencies and the military to immediately deploy forces and means to search for and rescue those who are still missing in the fastest, most drastic and effective manner.

As the natural disasters are still complicated in the central region, Dung as localities including Thua Thien Hue to timely support local people to ensure their lives, while continuing to proactively respond to natural disasters, with special attention paid to ensuring the safety of people's lives, the safety of lakes and dams, and preventing landslides and flash floods.

According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF), as Typhoon Nangka hit mainland from the provinces of Thai Binh to Thanh Hoa on the afternoon of October 14, the seventh storm arise in the East Sea (South China Sea) so far this year weakened into a tropical depression.

However, a new reported tropical depression has entered the East Sea this morning (Oct 15) and is likely to develop into a new storm in the next few days. By 7:00 am on October 17, the storm's centre is forecast to be at about 150 km east of mainland provinces from Da Nang to Phu Yen, packing winds of 60-75 kph.

The central region is predicted to continue suffering from heavy rains that would last for many days ahead, starting from tomorrow, while mountainous areas in the region have been warned of the high risk of flash floods and landslides.

Central localities are urgently deployed all forces and means to cope with the current flooding, while bracing themselves for the upcoming new wave of heavy rains.