LAO CAI (VNS) — The northern region is still suffering from unusually cold weather, which could last for another two days, according to the National Hydro-Meteorological Forecast Centre.
The mountainous areas, in particular, are likely to face hoarfrost and icy conditions, with temperatures dropping to a low of below two degrees Celsius, according to the centre.
Authorities in Lao Cai province are worried that snowfall and hoarfrost could lead to fallen trees and branches, which could erupt into flames when the weather becomes drier or when the residents use fire for slash-and-burn cultivation or to hunt animals.
Agricultural officials estimated that unusual snowfall early last week has caused an estimated loss of around VND20 billion (US$940,000) and a potential loss of thousands of hectares of farm products.
Freezing temperatures have also forced tens of thousands of pre-school and primary school students in Lao Cai and Lai Chau to stay at home.
There are over 400,000 hectares of forest in Lao Cai province. About 50 per cent of the area has faced hoarfrost and hail, according to the latest data. The province’s districts of Sa Pa, Bat Xat, Bac Ha, Van Ban and Hoang Lien Nature Reserve face a high risk of forest fires.
Therefore, local authorities are likely to heighten their vigilance and increase their communication on how to prevent and fight forest fires to local residents, the Chairman of the province’s People’s Committee, Doan Van Huong, said. — VNS
Đăng ký: VietNam News
