VietNamNet Bridge – Strong winds and heavy seas had isolated Ly Son Island for the past 10 days, 30km off the coast of the central province of Quang Ngai.

Strong winds and heavy seas had isolated Ly Son Island for the past 10 days, 30km off the coast of the central province of Quang Ngai.— Photo lyson

This was heard from chairman of the island district's people's committee, Tran Ngoc Nguyen, while talking with Viet Nam News yesterday, Dec 25.

The rough seas, which often occur in the area when northeast winds blow strongly during winter, have also cut off fresh food supplies from the mainland, as well as daily passenger boats.

"The weather has led to a lack of fuel and food for over 21,000 residents, and prices of pork, beef, chicken and fish have increased by 15 per cent, but other commodities are under control," Nguyen said.

"The storage depot has 150 tonnes of rice, 10,000 litres of gasoline, 3,000 diesel fuel and dried provisions in reserve to last for at least 15 or 20 days," Nguyen assured.

"However, we are worried about gasoline reserves because the demand for fuel is high," he added.

He said the island district planned to call for emergency help from the province.

"Prices of pork, chicken and vegetables are on the rise due to a limited supply from the mainland. Strong winds have prevented cargo ships and fishing vessels from going out to sea, so residents have to rely on locally produced food," said islander Nguyen Huu Danh.

Despite the bad weather, some islanders have rented fishing vessels to travel to the mainland during the night.

A fishing vessel which was illegally carrying 12 passengers to the mainland was rescued on Tuesday after it started to sink four miles off the island. Most island inhabitants make a living from farming garlic and spring onions, or fishing.

The island will have access to electricity and clean water in the third quarter of next year.

Source: VNS