Thailand, Laos, Vietnam: Adverse weather forecast across parts of the region through at least June 15

Event

Further heavy rainfall and flooding are forecast to occur across parts of northern Thailand, northern Laos, northern Vietnam through at least June 15. The adverse weather is due to lingering rain from Tropical Storm Koguma, which made landfall in Thai Binh Province, Vietnam early June 13 and has since dissipated. The affected areas include the Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, and Tak provinces in Thailand; Bokeo, Vientiane, Vientiane Capital, Xayaboury, and Xiengkhouang provinces in Laos, as well as Dien Bien, Hoa Binh, Lang Son, Lao Cai, Lai Chau, Quang Ninh, Son La, Thai Nguyen, Thanh Hoa, Tuyen Quang, Ha Tinh, and Yen Bai provinces in Vietnam.

Bokeo, Vientiane, Xayaboury, and Xiengkhouang Provinces in Laos have seen flooding as rivers burst their banks. Further rainfall is forecast in the region which could exacerbate the current condition. Two fishermen are missing off the coast of Thai Binh Province, Vietnam. At least 130 homes and 19,733 hectares (48,761 acres) of farmland across Vietnam have been damaged.

Government Advisories
As of June 14, the following warnings are in effect:

• Thai Meteorological Department has issued a warning for heavy rain and flooding in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, and Tak provinces.

• The Vietnamese Hydrometeorological Service has issued a flood warning for rivers in Dien Bien, Hoa Binh, Lang Son, Lao Cai, Lai Chau, Quang Ninh, Son La, Thai Nguyen, Thanh Hoa, Tuyen Quang, Ha Tinh, and Yen Bai Provinces and a flood warning for Hanoi City.

Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of the relevant weather alerts over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
The storms will be capable of producing heavy downpours and damaging winds across the affected area through at least June 15. Should sustained heavy rainfall occur, it could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding, landslides, or strong winds impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows could render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather could also trigger intermittent flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas.

Advice

Confirm flights. Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area through at least June 15. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Review contingency plans and be prepared to move quickly to shelter if tornado warnings are issued. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Thai Meteorological Department (Thai)
Vietnamese Hydrometeorological Service (Vietnamese)