Nguyen Duc Cuong, Head of the Hydrometeorological Information andNatural Disaster Prevention Unit, spoke to Tai Nguyen va Moi Truong(Natural Resources and Environment) about an early warning system.
*Could you tell us about extreme weather that happens in Vietnam? Arethere any regulations on warnings about extreme weather in the country?
Thunderstormsand tornados are two types of extreme disasters that are difficult topredict in advance, in Vietnam and throughout the world. Warnings onthese types of natural disasters can only be issued from one to threehours before they happen.
In Vietnam, specialised equipment andtechnology can forecast thunderstorms and tornados in a number of largecities about one to three hours before they occur.
On June 13,the National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecast released a warningabout a super thunderstorm in Hanoi which killed two people at 4.15pm -about 40 minutes before it occurred. This information had been postedon the centre's website.
* How can the warnings be broadcast to residents?
Thunderstormsor tornados are dangerous since they move very fast and it is difficultto issue early forecasts or warnings. Under the Government'sregulations on forecasting, warnings about natural disasters,thunderstorms and tornados can occur independently as other news or inregular weather forecasts. Warnings will also be provided to mass mediaagencies within 15 minutes, or as soon as the centre completes thecollection of information and issuing a warning about a naturaldisaster.
This year, the arrival of El Nino will bring more heatwaves, accompanied by thunderstorms. The centre will work closely withcommunication agencies to warn people about them in a timely andeffective way.
Before every storm season, authorized agencies atall levels must set up prevention plans, including preventive measuresto ensure the safety of the people.
Under the Law on NaturalDisaster Prevention in 2013, thunderstorms and tornados are listed asamong those with disaster risks. The Central Steering Committee onNatural Disaster Prevention has directed local authorities to developtheir own plans to cope with the different types of disasters oftenoccurring in each locality.
From now until next year, localitiesshould strengthen their warning systems so that people understand andhave proactive measures to respond to extreme weather.
* What skills do people need to protect themselves during extreme weather, such as in thunderstorms and tornados?
It'snot very complicated to avoid tornados and thunderstorms. Generally,people can reduce damages caused by natural disasters by taking thefollowing measures:
Prior to the rainy seasons, people shouldupgrade their houses and build shelters. Tall trees near homes should bepruned to avoid broken branches or trees being uprooted, causing harmto people.
When thunderstorms, tornados or hail do occur, peopleshould not walk in open fields or stand atop high areas. Also, toolsmade of metal, such as hoes and shovels, must be avoided duringthunderstorms. Further, people are encouraged not to sit near windowswith iron frames and not to use cell phones.-VNA
