Vietnam: Northern region threatened by Typhoon Khanun Oct. 16-17 /update 3

Event

Typhoon Khanun, forecast to impact northern Vietnam through Tuesday, October 17, is likely to exacerbate the devastating flooding of October 10-16, which has already led to the deaths of at least 72 people in the country’s central and northern regions.  Life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides are likely in northern Vietnam in the coming hours and days.

Thousands have been evacuated from their homes following last week’s flood surge. Khanun, similar to a Category 2 hurricane, is forecast to continue weakening in the coming days, but remains a danger to lives and property, particularly in areas already suffering from flood conditions.

Context

Since October 10, some of the worst flooding in years has been sweeping across central and northern Vietnam. The provinces of Yên Bái and Hòa Bình are the hardest hit, where at least 34,000 homes have been inundated. As of October 16, at least 72 fatalities have been reported, and approximately 40 people are still missing. Most deaths were caused by landslides.

Northern Vietnam’s summer monsoon season runs from May to October and regularly results in flooding. However, this current crisis represents one of the highest death tolls ever recorded in the country from flooding.

Advice

Individuals in Vietnam are advised to follow all instructions as issued by local authorities (e.g. possible evacuation orders) and follow local weather forecasts. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.