Heavy rains trigger central floods as strong northern cold spell intensifies
Vietnam is bracing for severe weather on two fronts with relentless downpours causing widespread flooding in the central region while the northern provinces enter the strongest cold spell of the winter so far.
THE HANOI TIMES — Heavy rains have triggered the fourth consecutive flood in Vietnam's central region, inundating low-lying areas, while the northern region, including Hanoi, enters a strong cold spell from today (November 18).
According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF), total rainfall in Hue and Khanh Hoa ranges from 150 to 300 millimeters, with 1,085 millimeters recorded in Hue’s Binh Dien Commune.
The Huong River at Kim Long Station reached 2.64 meters, 0.64 meters above the level 2 alert. The Bo River at Phu Oc Station rose to 4.91 meters, 0.41 meters above the level 3 alert.
Water levels on the Huong River in the central coastal city of Hue continue to rise as recovery efforts from the previous flood are still under way on November 17. Photos: Vietnam News Agency
In Danang, rainfall commonly reached 100 to 200 millimeters, with some locations exceeding 700 millimeters. Quang Tri and Quang Ngai provinces recorded 80-180 millimeters, with some areas surpassing 700 millimeters. Gia Lai and Dak Lak provinces saw 50-120 millimeters, with certain places receiving over 840 millimeters.
With widespread spell of heavy rain raising water levels across many rivers, another flooding episode is forecast on rivers from Ha Tinh to Khanh Hoa provinces between November 17 and November 20.
“In addition to rising river levels, this round of heavy rain will bring risks of urban flooding, flash floods and landslides in areas from Ha Tinh to eastern Quang Ngai, with particular concern for Quang Ngai, Dak Lak, Khanh Hoa and the eastern part of Lam Dong Province,” said the NCHMF.
The center said this rain event will be less intense than the late-October downpour as easterly winds weaken and the low-pressure trough becomes less active.
From November 19, rainfall is expected to ease from Hue northwards, shift farther south and become more scattered.
Regarding the cold conditions in the northern and north-central regions, the NCHMF described this as the strongest cold spell since the start of winter, moving directly from the North toward the South.
From November 18 to November 19, the North will experience rain. The combination of rain and strong cold air will cause temperatures to drop sharply across the northern region and the provinces of Thanh Hoa, Nghe An and Ha Tinh.
Forecasters expect the coldest days to range from 12 to 14 degrees Celsius in the northern delta and north-central region, 8 to 11 degrees in upland areas and below 7 degrees in some high-mountain localities.
From November 20, rainfall will decrease and the North will shift to dry, deeper cold at night and early morning, followed by sunny daytime conditions.
Careful preparation and response to severe flooding
In Official Dispatch No. 217/QD-TTg dated November 17, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh asked localities to identify and assess areas vulnerable to landslides, flash floods and deep inundation, issue timely warnings and organize evacuations to protect residents.
Roads in the central city of Hue are flooded with fast-flowing water following heavy rains.
“This new spell of heavy rain follows successive downpours in the region, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides,” Chinh said.
He directed provincial authorities to ensure dam and reservoir safety, improve drainage and operate irrigation and hydropower reservoirs in a safe and suitable manner based on updated forecasts to safeguard infrastructure and reduce flooding impacts.
The ministries of National Defense and Public Security must remain on standby to support evacuations and respond to landslides, flash floods, flooding and search-and-rescue operations.
The prime minister tasked the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment must closely monitor, forecast and deliver the earliest and most accurate information on rainfall, flooding and landslide risks to support local communities.
The National Civil Defense Steering Committee must remain alert, mobilize forces and equipment and support local authorities in responding to landslides and managing flood impacts.
Heavy and widespread rain, especially sudden downpours following prolonged floods through October and early November, continues to cause major flooding and deep inundation in urban and low-lying areas. Landslides have also occurred in many locations in Danang and Khanh Hoa.
According to data from authorities as of the evening of November 17, floods and landslides have killed and left missing 12 people and injured 19 others. A landslide on the night of November 16 at Khang Le Pass in Nam Khanh Vinh Commune, Khanh Hoa Province, killed six people.
Rescuers search for missing victims on Khanh Son Pass in the southern coastal province of Khanh Hoa.
