Friday, January 23, 2004

Vietnamese scientists study PTC flood warning system

Two scientists from Vietnam are spending time at the National Weather Service office in Peachtree City to develop a flood prediction system for the Red River in north Vietnam.

Huynh Thi Lan Huong and Nguyen Tien Kien are working with officials at the NWS Southeast River Forecast Center for four months as part of a program between the United States and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. They are working with Reggina Cabrera Garza, a senior hydrologist, who helped develop the flood prediction and warning capability in Nicaragua.

Water is the most destructive force in the Red River basin and mitigating the effects of floods is one of the highest priorities of the Vietnam government.

The Peachtree City office was chosen because the weather across the southeast closely resembles the weather in Vietnam, said John Feldt of the National Weather Service.

“Our objective is to provide our visitors from Vietnam the tools and techniques they can use to easily implement a flood prediction and warning system upon their return to Vietnam,” Feldt said.

The scientists are being hosted by the Wyndham Peachtree Hotel and Conference Center during their stay.