The Ministry of the Interior and Safety held a meeting with related agencies on Friday to prepare for a week of heavy rain forecast nationwide starting Saturday.

The meeting, which involved 17 agencies, 17 cities and provinces and five public corporations, inspected readiness and discussed measures to minimize damage.

As part of plans, drainage facilities will be double-checked and safety measures implemented such as installing waterproof tarp and removing obstacles that hinder water flow in streams.

Access to valleys, camp sites, hiking trails, underpasses and underground parking lots will be restricted due to risks caused by torrents and flooding. Residents in landslide-prone areas will be evacuated in advance while COVID-19 vaccination centers will prepare for blackouts.

Citizens will be swiftly alerted through various channels including TV broadcast, text message and social media about the weather and what to do during contingencies.