Vietnam: Adverse weather forecast across the central regions through at least April 6

Event

Thunderstorms, strong winds, landslides, and flooding are forecast across central Vietnam through at least April 6. The Vietnam National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) has warned of moderate to heavy rain from Thua Thien Hue Province to Khanh Hoa Province as well as the eastern Central Highlands region. Tornadoes, lightning, hail, and strong winds are possible during thunderstorms. Due to heavy rain, flash flooding, landslides in mountainous terrain, and localized flooding in low-lying areas and along rivers are possible. The NCHMF has issued a level 1 warning of natural disaster risk due to heavy rain, tornadoes, lightning, and hail.

Forecast models indicate heavy rainfall of 8-18 cm (3-7 inches) from Phu Yen to Khanh Hoa, 6-12 cm (2.5-5 inches) from Quang Ngai to Binh Dinh, 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) from Da Nang to Quang Nam, and 3-8 cm (1-3 inches) in Hue City as well as the eastern Central Highlands region.

Unseasonal heavy rainfall from March 31 has flooded tens of thousands of hectares of rice fields and other crops in Quang Tri, Quang Nam, and Thua Thien Hue provinces. One fatality in Phong Dien District, Thua Thien Hue Province and another fatality in Quang Tri Province were reported April 2 due to floodwaters. Several roads in low-lying areas of Quang Dien and Phong Dien districts in Thua Thien Hue Province, including national highways 49B, TL4, TL6, and TL8A.

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.

Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region, including but not limited to Da Nang International Airport (DAD). Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts along 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)