China/Vietnam: Tropical Storm Mun to bring heavy rain through July 5

Event

Tropical Storm Mun made landfall in China's Hainan province on Wednesday, July 3, bringing heavy rains and high winds. The severe weather prompted officials to halt ferry services in the Hainan Strait and some 30 flight cancelations were reported as of Wednesday. Forecasts indicate Mun will track across the Gulf of Tonkin before making landfall in Vietnam's Quảng Ninh province (Northeast region) on Thursday, July 4, bringing heavy rains, flooding, and associated landslides. The storm system is also expected to bring heavy rains to the Red River Delta region (Vietnam) and in Guangxi province (China) as it continues west-northwest through Friday, July 5. 

Flash flooding and wind damage are possible in the abovementioned areas, along with transportation and electricity disruptions, over the coming days.

Context

Tropical cyclones and typhoons are common in the western Pacific and 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.