Proactive Deployment of Measures to Prevent and Respond to Tropical Storm No. 02, Ready to Carry Out Search and Rescue Missions in All Scenarios

On July 21, 2024, the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (the Centre) held a meeting to address the prevention and response to tropical storm No. 02 (international name PRAPIROON). The meeting, chaired by Mr. Vu Viet Hung, Deputy Director of the Centre, saw the participation of heads of advisory departments and regional centres through virtual sessions.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, as of 07:00 on July 21, 2024, the storm was positioned at approximately 16.4°N latitude and 111.4°E longitude, located over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) Islands. The storm’s strongest winds near its centre were measured at force 8 (62-74 km/h), gusting up to force 10. The storm was moving in a west-northwest direction at a speed of 10-15 km/h. In the next 48 hours, the storm is forecast to continue moving northwest, entering the Gulf of Tonkin, while gradually weakening.

To proactively respond to Tropical Storm No. 02 and remain ready for search and rescue missions under any circumstances, the Centre has implemented the following actions:

• Reinforcing a 24/7 duty roster for disaster prevention and search and rescue (DP & SAR) at the Rescue Coordination Room (Hanoi) and regional centres.

• Regularly updating and gathering timely and accurate information on the storm's developments from both domestic and international sources.

• Compiling statistics and monitoring the situation of vessels anchoring for shelter and those with the potential to participate in search and rescue operations in affected areas.

• Establishing task forces ready to act upon receiving deployment orders.

• Proactively coordinating with relevant agencies, units, and local authorities in affected regions to notify, guide, and assist vessel operators regarding weather conditions and hazardous situations. Additionally, ensuring cooperation with various local forces, including the Maritime Administration, the Vietnam Maritime Communication and Electronics Company, local governments, Border Guards, and Coast Guard, to mobilize available resources and deploy rescue vessels when needed.

• Promptly implementing rescue measures to minimize potential damage, with special attention paid to vessels that have not yet found safe shelter, are damaged, or have encountered emergencies. Intensifying efforts to review cargo ships and fishing vessels operating in dangerous areas and promptly issue storm warnings to enable preventive actions.

• Utilizing equipped technologies and software, such as AIS, LRIT, and Seavision, in conjunction with the Coastal Radio Station Network to monitor and assess the status of vessels in the area for potential search and rescue mobilization. The "Four On-the-Spot" principle is also emphasized: "On-the-spot command, on-the-spot forces, on-the-spot supplies, and on-the-spot logistics" to respond effectively during the storm season. Special focus is placed on coordinating with international vessels passing through Vietnamese waters to assist in search and rescue efforts when incidents occur.

• Regarding the deployment of the Centre's resources, all available vessels have been prepared and are in optimal condition, ready to perform rescue operations before, during, and after the storm.

The Centre maintains close communication with the Vietnam Maritime Administration and the Ministry of Transport to propose appropriate response measures and mobilize resources for emergencies. Additionally, the Centre works closely with the Border Guard, Coast Guard, Navy, and Air Force in maritime search and rescue operations.

Forecasted location and trajectory of tropical storm No. 02.

Overview of the virtual meeting held at the Centre to discuss storm response measures.