Vietnam braces for more heavy rains and flooding this month

Flooding and torrential rains will hit central Vietnam as typhoons and tropical depressions will be landing, with threats of floodings and landslides in the next few days, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) has predicted 

Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanh has conveyed an official notice from the Government, warning relevant ministerial level bodies and local governments of flooding risks in central provinces.

According to the document, heavy rains over the past few days in central and Central Highlands provinces, namely Quang Binh, Quang Tri, Quang Nam, and Quang Ngai, have triggered flooding and mudslides.

Such provinces are requested to take measures to curb the damage of flooding and its consequences through rescue efforts, evacuation of residents from flood-prone areas, food rationing for flood victims, and consolidation of dams, the document stated.

A precipitation map shows location and path of tropical depression. Photo: NCHMF

Last week, the central provinces from Thua Thien-Hue to Binh Dinh reported intense downpours with precipitation exceeding 300 millimeters in several areas, the NCHMF said, adding that coastal districts of Quang Nam and Quang Ngai provinces have also recorded inundation after experiencing rainfall for a few days straight.

This week, mid-central provinces, particularly Quang Nam and Quang Ngai Provinces, would see precipitation ranging from 200 to 400 millimeters or even more, while Quang Tri Province, Thua Thien-Hue Province, and Danang are forecast to experience rains of 50-150 millimeters and beyond, according to Nguyen Van Huong, head of the Weather Forecasting Department under the NCHMF.

Huong also noted threats of flash floods and landslides in upland areas, as well as inundation in lowland and waterfront areas in the provinces from Thua Thien-Hue to Quang Ngai.

He added that the situation in these areas may be exacerbated with the arrival of a tropical depression, which is likely to form in the East Sea on Monday before hitting central provinces in the next two days.

“This circumstance, coupled with a cold front and the turbulence of high east winds, may bring heavy rains to central areas from October 27 to 31. The tropical depression-induced downpour may arrive on October 27-28. From now to the end of October, central provinces may experience up to three bouts of heavy rains, with total precipitation reaching 1,000 millimeters,” Huong told The Hanoi Times.

Authorities in central Vietnam have evacuated more than 2,500 residents from areas prone to floods and landslides that would be triggered by torrential rains in the next few days. Most of these residents are located along the downstream section of the rivers.

The National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control said people should be vigilant and leave areas where flash flooding may occur.

Localities are requested to inspect unsafe housing in mountainous areas, along rivers and streams, and in high-risk areas, be ready to move people to safe places, and arrange forces to ensure traffic safety.

The downpours in the next few days may continue to complicate the situation. Local authorities have warned people in places at risk of landslides and flash floods.