Flood alert issued for Mekong delta

Flood alert issued for Mekong delta

HANOI (AFP): Vietnam has issued a warning of possible serious flooding in the Mekong delta after heavy rains from Typhoon Frankie in the river's catchment area, reports said yesterday.

Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet has ordered local government chiefs to step up flood prevention measures as waters in branches of the Mekong are markedly higher than their normal seasonal levels, the Vietnam News said.

Rescue personnel were on stand-by and people were being encouraged to move to higher ground in the delta, where flooding last year killed at least 400 people.

Local authorities have come under fire for their lack of preparations last month when Typhoon Frankie hit the north of the country, killing some 67 people and dumping rain across the upper reaches of the Mekong.