Record downpour to hit Qung Ninh (Photo:VNA)More torrential rain, forecast to be equivalent to or even stronger than the record extensive downpour in July 1986, will hit the northern delta region from July 31 night to the end of August 8 with estimated rainfall of up to 300-400mm.
At a press conference on July 29, Director of the National Hydro-meteorological Forecast Centre Hoang Duc Cuong warned that the upcoming rain spell will expand west outside Quang Ninh province, which means the entire northern delta as well as the northern midland and mountainous region will see big rains.
Besides, 3-7m flood is forecast to occur in the Red River-Thai Binh River system from July 31 to August 4, resulting in high risk of flood and landslide in a number of northern mountainous provinces, including Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Cao Bang, Bac Giang, Bac Can, Ha Giang and Tuyen Quang.
Low-lying and urban areas in Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Hai Phong, Thai Binh and Nam Dinh are particularly prone to flooding, said Cuong.
He reported that from July 23-29, torrential rain devastated Quang Ninh province, with rainfall of 899mm recorded in Mong Cai, 712mm in Quang Ha, 983mm in Co To Island and 710mm in Bai Chay.
Total rainfall recorded in three consecutive days reached a history peak in the locality. As of July 29, 23 local residents were reported dead or missing, while the total damage amounted to over 1 trillion VND (45.8 million USD).
Heavy rains also started hitting the northern delta region from July 29 with average rainfall ranging from 50-80mm.-VNA
