Deputy Secretary inspects flood prevention work

"No loss of life would be allowed, and residents must be evacuated if necessary, with the support of the authorities to protect their property," Nguyen Thi Tuyen said.

The Standing Deputy Secretary tasked the Ha Noi Party Committee to closely monitor the flood situation following Typhoon Yagi.

All departments and sub-municipal authorities were requested to remain vigilant and prepare for flooding by implementing the 'four on the spot' approach and ensuring that communities are informed about flood risks, especially those living near rivers and dikes.

Tuyen urged the city's Department of Industry and Trade, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and other relevant agencies to ensure sufficient supplies of food and essential goods for residents in areas at risk of being cut off by floodwaters.

Floods at alarming levels

Flood levels on the Red River in Ha Noi surpassed alert level 2, triggering a level 2 natural disaster risk alert, the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) reported early September 11.

The Red River in Ha Noi reached 10.54 meters at midnight, 0.04 meters above the warning level 2. According to the center's forecast, the water level will continue to rise throughout the day.

By 1:00 a.m. on September 11, the river had risen to 10.6 m, exceeding the second warning level by 0.1 m. By 7:00 a.m., it had risen further to 10.7 m, 0.20 m above the warning level. Forecasts indicate that the water level will reach 10.75 m by 13:00 hrs and remain at this level through the evening. This is the highest level the Red River has seen in decades.

Experts warned that the rising floodwaters could cause widespread flooding and landslides along the riverbanks.

Elevated water levels have posed a serious threat to the daily lives and property of residents in affected districts such as Dan Phuong, Phuc Tho, Son Tay, Thanh Tri, GIa Lam, Long Vien, Tay Ho, Hoan Kiem, and Dong Anh.

Specifically, rivers such as the Tich, Bui, Cau and Day had exceeded the flood alert level 3, while the Nhue and Ca Lo rivers were already at alert level 2. In addition, the Tuyen Quang Hydropower Plant was releasing water through seven sluice gates, Thac Ba through three, and Hoa Binh through two, contributing to the threat of flooding in Ha Noi.

The most vulnerable areas were along the Red River, including Phuc Xa (Ba Dinh), Ngoc Lam Ferry Terminal, both sides of Long Bien Bridge, Nhat Tan Bridge, Thang Long Bridge, the area behind Long Bien Market, and Chem Temple in Bac Tu Liem District.

The Ha Noi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has issued warnings for Ba Dinh, Bac Tu Liem, Dong Anh, Gia Lam, Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem, Hoang Mai, Long Bien, Tay Ho and Thanh Tri districts. Some of these are central, densely populated districts with important commercial buildings and government offices.

The NCHMF warned that water levels in the Red River could continue to rise, posing a significant flood risk to riverine and low-lying areas and endangering lives and property. It noted that water levels in the river had not been this high since 2008, which may have caught residents off guard.

Typhoon Yagi caused heavy rains in Ha Noi since September 7. Ha Noi has reported four deaths, 23 injuries, and approximately 40,000 uprooted trees./.