24 Jul 2018 | 06:09 PM UTC
Vietnam: Tropical Depression Son-Tinh leaves 27 dead as of July 24 /update 2
Tropical Depression Son-Tinh leaves 27 dead in Vietnam as of July 24; further heavy rainfall forecast in northern regions in the coming days
Event
Tropical Depression Son-Tinh has brought heavy rains and flooding to northern Vietnam in recent days, including to Hanoi, leaving at least 27 people dead, 14 injured, and 7 others missing as of Tuesday, July 24. Significant material damages have been reported nationwide; over 12,000 homes and 90,000 hectares (222,395 acres) of agricultural land have been damaged.
Further heavy rainfall is forecast for northern Vietnam in the coming days and until early August due to the storm. Consequent flooding and landslides, and associated transportation disruptions and power outages are possible in affected areas.
Context
Son-Tinh is the third storm to affect Vietnam's north and central provinces this year. The summer monsoon season in northern Vietnam, which runs from May to October, regularly results in deadly flooding and landslides. Vietnam was struck by 16 tropical storms in 2017, leaving nearly 400 people dead and hundreds more injured.
Advice
Individuals in Vietnam are advised to follow all instructions as issued by local authorities (e.g. possible evacuation orders), follow local weather forecasts, and verify travel plans prior to setting out. In the event of further flooding, 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.
