Vietnam deploys 267,000 troops and evacuates residents as tropical storm Koto threatens central region with unpredictable path and intensity
HANOI: Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has ordered maximum preparedness as tropical storm Koto approaches Vietnam’s coastline.
The directive calls for ministries, agencies and coastal provinces to implement the highest-level response measures.
Vietnam has mobilised 267,335 military personnel and 6,684 vehicles for search and rescue operations ahead of Koto’s expected landfall.
Military forces are coordinating with local authorities to evacuate residents from high-risk areas to safer locations.
Coastal localities from Da Nang to Ca Mau have issued typhoon warnings to more than 49,200 vessels and 272,098 fishermen.
The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported Koto’s position approximately 180 km north of Southwest Cay Island as of Thursday morning.
The storm is moving west-northwest at 10 to 15 km per hour with unstable path and intensity.
Meteorological experts indicate the typhoon will likely change direction and weaken offshore.
However, authorities cannot rule out the possibility of Koto heading directly into Vietnam’s central region. – Bernama-Xinhua
