Vietnam: Adverse weather forecast across central and southern regions through at least Dec. 9 /update 3

Event

Thunderstorms, strong winds, landslides, and flooding are forecast across southern and central Vietnam through at least Dec. 9. The Vietnam National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) has warned of moderate to heavy rain of 2-4 cm (5-10 inches) of rainfall across ​​​​Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan, and Binh Thuan provinces and the South Central Highlands region. The NCHMF has issued a level 1 warning of natural disaster risk due to heavy rain, tornadoes, lightning, and hail. Authorities have warned of the risk of large-scale flooding from Quang Ngai to Khanh Hoa provinces and in Gia Lai Province and a very high risk of flash flooding and landslides in the mountainous areas from Quang Nam to Ninh Thuan provinces and the Central Highlands region. Forecast models indicate that the heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are likely to continue through at least Dec. 9.

Reports indicate flooding of at least 59,739 houses in the South Central Coast region, including 31,100 homes in Binh Dinh Province and 28,639 houses in Phu Yen Province, due to heavy rains. Authorities have evacuated at least 6,030 households, including 5,517 families in Phu Yen Province. Flooding has resulted in at least six deaths in Phu Yen Province, three in Binh Dinh Province, and one in Kon Tum Province.

Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall 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, strong winds, or landslides impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and 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. Flooding and landslides due to heavy rainfall have blocked several routes in the affected area Dec. 1. Sections of the National Highways 14H and 40B in Quang Nam Province, National Highways 24 and 24C in Quang Ngai Province, National Highway 1 at the bypass route of An Nhon, Binh Dinh Province, and National Highways 19C, 25, 27, and 29 in Phu Yen Province, and several other roads, are closed due to flooding and landslides.

Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts along the Gulf of Thailand and the South China Sea if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Vietnam National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (Vietnamese)