(VOVworld) – 3 people were killed and 31 others were injured as typhoon Wutip, this year’s 10^th tropical storm, hit central Vietnam. The storm’s eye passed Quang Binh and Quang Tri provinces, where it tore the roof off thousands of houses, interrupted the North-South road and railway, and damaged buildings and 7,000 hectares of rubber.

Quang Binh province is ravaged by typhoon Wutip, this year's 10th tropical storm to hit Vietnam.(Photo: VOV)

Wutip knocked down an antenna mast of Radio the Voice of Vietnam in Dong Hoi city, Quang Binh province, leaving 2 VOV staff dead and another injured. The typhoon broke a section of the 500kV power line from Ha Tinh Province to Da Nang City. 

Sustained wind caused by typhoon Wutip is strong enough to knock out VOV radio antenna in Quang Binh province. (Photo: VOV)

Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai on Monday chaired a meeting involving the Steering Committee for Flood and Storm Prevention and Control, relevant agencies, and Quang Binh authorities to seek remedies for Wutip’s afthermaths. Cao Duc Phat, Head of the Committee and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, told participants: "I saw the onslaughts of typhoon Xangsane. I think Wutip was even more devastating. Its damage can be greater than what we have reported. Authorities from provincial to grassroot level must conduct inspections to update the number of collapsed houses, houses of torn roof, deaths, and injuries, to provide emergency aid. Another big task is to ensure enough food, fresh water, and shelters for residents. It is forecast to continue dumping heavy rain so localities must be in precautions and guide locals to evacuate from storm-prone areas".

At the meeting, Hai asked local leaders to closely watch the situation with cautions, prevent flood, make reservoirs and hydro-electric dams safe, and manage the traffic on national roads. He said:"Provincial departments of transport must actively seek measures to ensure smooth traffic flow which is the foremost duty. The Ministry of Information and Communications must keep communication links in proper operation. The Central Power Corporation in collaboration with Quang Binh related agency to troubleshoot the power line breakage, quickly regain power supply for storm-affected people".    

Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai visits fishing vessel anchoring at shelters of Gianh estuary in Quang Binh province. (Photo: VOV)

Nghe An province has sent 4 delegations of officials to inspect storm areas and direct people to repair the damage. Vice Chairman of the Nghe An provincial People's Committee Dinh Viet Hong said: "People in mountain areas should be on alert for flash flood and landslides. Local steering committees for flood and storm prevention and control must moderate water flow in reservoirs, hydro-electric dams, and other key irrigational works. All localities should be on duty around the clock to timely respond once problems occur. Especially in flood-vulnerable areas, notice and ban on traffic must be issued in case there should be mishaps".

On Monday night, the Vietnam Electricity successfully fixed the broken 500 kV transmission line and other 200kV lines in Wutip-hit areas. Leaders of the Radio Voice of Vietnam extended their condolences to victims of the antenna fall and urged a swift repair. They aided 480USD to the injured man and 715 USD to families of each victim and assisted these families to bring dead bodies home.