HCMC – The northern province of Quang Ninh has banned ships and those serving tourists in Halong Bay from going out to sea beginning 12 p.m. today, August 25, as Storm Ma-on is expected to hit the province from this afternoon.
As of 1 p.m. today, Storm Ma-on, the third to hit Vietnam this year, was moving north of China’s Leizhou Island and some 250 kilometers northeast of Mong Cai City in Quang Ninh, packing winds at 75-88 kilometers per hour, gusting at level 11.
To ensure safety for vessels operating in the waters of Quang Ninh, the provincial steering committee for natural disaster prevention and control asked the relevant agencies not to allow vessels to go out to sea, including cruise ships and those planning to stay overnight in Halong Bay.
These agencies can consider allowing some vessels to sail from the islands to the mainland to take shelter from the storm and finish their work before 3 p.m. today.
Besides, the provincial government demanded the local authorities to stay alert and take preventive measures, including notifying ship captains and owners about the storm’s direction and developments to take shelter promptly and evacuate people to safety.
Rescue vehicles and forces are told to prepare for rescue operations if any.
