Vietnam: Typhoon Damrey kills at least 69 /update 2

Event

As of November 7, at least 69 people have been killed and 30 remain missing following Typhoon Damrey, which made landfall on Saturday, November 4. At least 116,000 homes have been damaged and 30,000 people have been evacuated due to floods. Water levels in most rivers are reportedly decreasing, but the Vietnam Disaster Management Authority warned that parts of Vietnam’s north-south highway were still covered with up to a meter (3 ft) of water, disrupting traffic. Relief efforts are currently underway to clear roads to welcome the US, Russian, and Chinese presidents arriving for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. The city of Da Nang, which will host the summit on November 10, also suffered damages.

Heavy downpours are expected to continue through November 7, possibly exacerbating the current situation and causing additional flooding.

Context

Typhoon Damrey is the 12th major storm to hit Vietnam this year. In October, heavy rains and subsequent floods and landslides killed over 80 people in the northern provinces of provinces of Yen Bai and Hoa Binh. In September, Typhoon Doksuri struck Ha Tinh and Quang Binh provinces, killing 17 people and causing over USD 700 million in damages.

Advice

Individuals present in Vietnam are advised to keep abreast of weather alerts, confirm travel reservations, and adhere to all advice issued by the local authorities.

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. In addition, because floodwater may also contain wastewater or chemical products, wear boots and try to avoid any contact with the water. All items having come into contact with the water should be washed and disinfected and foodstuffs discarded.