Severe floods hit Ha Tinh as heavy rain batters central Vietnam
Heavy rain is forecast to continue in the next fews days, raising concerns about widespread flooding in river basins.
THE HANOI TIMES — Prolonged heavy rain triggered severe floods across Vietnam's central province of Ha Tinh, surpassing alarm level 3 as of 11 AM on November 3, forcing mass evacuations, submerging thousands of homes, disrupting local production, transportation and daily life.
Tran Van Tho, a resident in Ha Huy Tap Ward, told Ha Tinh Newspaper: "Yesterday afternoon, the water started to rise and flow very strongly, people could not walk, boats were drifted away. I helped bring the elderly and children to high places. By midnight, the water was 80cm to 1m deep in the house."
Heavy rain causes severe flooding across the central province of Ha Tinh on November 3. Photo: Ha Tinh Newspaper
Dau Tung Lam, Secretary of Ha Huy Tap Ward Party Committee, said that local authorities have evacuated people to safe places and requested medical forces to provide emergency support for those in need.
Floods in Ha Tinh Province has inundated over 1,700 households, leaving four people dead or missing and three others injured as of 2:30 PM on November 3. Thousands of houses remained submerged and 36,768 students suspended classes.
From early November 3 to the next few days, areas from Ha Tinh Province to Danang city are forecast to experience very heavy rainfall with 200m-300mm on average, and up to 600mm in some places.
Rescue forces evacuate people during the rising flood in the central province of Ha Tinh. Photo: Ha Tinh Newspaper
Other central localities including Hue, Danang and Quang Nam, had experienced heavy rains since October 23. However, water levels on the Huong River in Hue city continue to rise on November 3, surpassing alarm level 3 as of 7 AM on November 3, according to local hydro-meteorological station.
The flooding comes as Hue city keeps recovering from two major flood events that struck late last month. Heavy rainfall is forecast to continue over the next few hours, with total precipitation ranging from 20mm to 40mm and some areas likely receiving more than 70mm.
The prolonged downpour has caused rapid rises in river levels, leading to extensive flooding across downstream areas, low-lying zones and urban centers. Heavy rains and floods caused 37 deaths, left five missing and 78 injured across the central region as of 8:30 AM on November 3, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.
Prime Minister requests swift actions
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on November 2 night urged ministries and the disaster-hit localities to promptly address the aftermath of recent floods in central Vietnam, effectively support affected people and swiftly stabilize the situation.
Water levels on the Huong River in Hue city continue to rise. Photo: VNA
Priority actions include search and rescue, urgent medical care, and support for families of victims. Authorities must supply isolated areas with essential goods and help residents repair or rebuild homes.
Communities need guidance on sanitation and disease prevention, along with full assistance to restore production and services for a quick return to normal life.
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Another storm, Kalmaegi, is moving towards the central East Sea, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting. By 1 AM on November 4, the storm is expected to remain over the East Sea, with winds strengthening to Level 12 and gusts up to Level 15, moving westward at around 20 kilometers per hour (kph). Between November 5 and 6, the central East Sea (including the Truong Sa Archipelago) and offshore waters from Danang city to Khanh Hoa Province are likely to experience winds of Level 12-14, waves 8-10 meters high and extremely rough seas. Floodwaters are expected to recede gradually over the next 12-24 hours but may rise again between November 4 and 5 across rivers in provinces of Ha Tinh, Quang Tri and Quang Ngai, with levels reaching or exceeding Level 3 in some areas. |
