Southeast Asia: Tropical Depression Bebinca to hit August 17-18 /update 2

Event

Tropical Storm Bebinca is forecast to downgrade to a depression before making landfall in northern Vietnam on Friday, August 17, bringing heavy rainfall of 25-30 cm (8-12 in) to the country's northern and central provinces; rainfall of up to 40-50cm (16-20 in) is possible in Hòa Binh and Thanh Hóa provinces, as of Thursday, August 16. Flood and landslide warnings have been issued for Phú Tho, Thanh Hóa, Yên Bái, Hà Giang, Lai Châu, Son La, and Hòa Binh provinces. 

Tropical Depression Bebinca is forecast to subsequently move west into northern Laos late Friday (local time), August 17, bringing heavy rains to much of the northern provinces through Saturday, August 18, when the storm is expected to dissipate. Flood alerts have also been issued for the cities of Pakse and Muang Champassak due to rising water levels of the Mekong River. Flooding and landslides are possible in the affected areas.

Although previous forecasts indicated that Bebinca's path could bring dangerous storm conditions into Thailand and Myanmar, current predictions indicate that the storm will weaken before reaching that far inland. However, heavy rain and flooding remain possible in northern Thailand and eastern Myanmar into the weekend.

Context

Typhoons and tropical cyclones are common in the western Pacific and the South China Sea from June through November.

Advice

Individuals present in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate strong winds and heavy rain (and associated disruptions), and adhere to all instructions issued by 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 - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.