Storm Molave slammed into the Central provinces from Quang Nam, Phu Yen, Quang Ngai, and Kon Tum, causing heavy losses of lives and properties, according to the Frontline Steering Committee led by Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung.

Many houses are collapsed or damaged in Quang Ngai Province after Storm Molave
barrels down on central localities. Photo: Quang Ngai online newspaper

Storm Molave and Typhoon Xangsane are the two most powerful storms which Viet Nam has endured over the past 20 years with heavy impacts on the Central region. 

On October 28, Storm Molave entered Viet Nam’s central coast from Da Nang and Phu Yen with fierce winds and heavy rains. The storm also caused heavy rainfalls in the Central region with 250-450 mm in Quang Tri, Binh Dinh and the Northern area of the Central Highlands Region. 

From October 29-31, the southern parts of Nghe An and Ha Tinh will witness average rainfall of 200-400 mm or even over 500 mm; Quang Binh 200-400 mm; Thanh Hoa 50-150 mm. 

The Frontline Steering Committee reported that Storm Molave initially claimed two lives (including one in Gia Lai and one in Quang Nam). Meanwhile, 55 others were reported missing following landslides in Quang Nam including 53 in Nam Tra My district and two others at Phuoc Son district. 

The disaster also injured 28 others including 13 in Quang Ngai, five in Quang Nam, five in Binh Dinh, four in Hue, and one in Da Nang. 

Storm Molave destroyed 227 houses. Up to 88,591 house roots were blown. Nine fishing vessels were sank. 

Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung who is the Head of the National Steering
Committee on Disaster Prevention and Control arrives at Nam Tra My to direct
the rescue mission of 53 landslide victims. Photo: VGP

Especially, at 7:40 AM of Thursday, Deputy PM Trinh Dinh Dung who is the Head of the National Steering Committee on Disaster Prevention and Control arrived at Bac Tra My to direct the rescue mission of 53 landslide victims.  

Military forces are preparing for rescue effort for landslide victims
in Quang Nam's Nam Tra My District. Photo: VGP

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Khac Cuong is in charge of assessing storm consequences and directing rescue efforts in Binh Dinh and Quang Ngai./.