Vietnam: Floods kill eight in central provinces December 11

Event

As of Tuesday, December 11, heavy rainfall and flooding affecting various provinces located in the central part of the country have killed at least eight people. The most affected areas include the city of Da Nang, as well as the provinces of Quang Tri, Quang Nam, Ha Tinh, Binh Dinh, Thanh Hoa, and Thua Thien Hue. Thousands of houses were reportedly flooded and several infrastructural damages were also reported. Several national highways are reportedly still under water, leading to significant traffic disruptions. Further damages and casualties are likely in the coming days as more heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast.

Context

Central Vietnam was hit by Tropical Depression Toraji on November 18, which left 14 people dead and caused severe damage. Natural disasters (e.g. typhoons, floods, landslides) have killed around 200 people throughout the country since January 2018.

Advice

Individuals present in central Vietnam are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate transportation and power disruptions, reconfirm flights, obey instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders), and avoid flood-prone areas until the situation stabilizes. 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.