HANOI, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Tuesday issued an official dispatch urging ministries, agencies and localities in central Vietnam to take urgent measures as Typhoon Kalmaegi approaches.

Typhoon Kalmaegi, the 13th typhoon expected to hit Vietnam this year, is forecast to affect the central areas of Vietnam, according to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

The prime minister emphasized the need to ensure people's safety and minimize property damage to residents, especially in central Vietnam, which is still suffering severe damage from floods.