Mainland Southeast Asia: Disruptions ongoing across Mainland Southeast Asia afternoon Sept. 29 following passage of Typhoon Noru

Event

Disruptions are ongoing across Mainland Southeast Asia as of the afternoon of Sept. 29 following the passage of Typhoon Noru. The storm has caused casualties, widespread flooding, and damage. Recovery operations are ongoing in many areas to restore road access and other essential services.

The storm made landfall as a typhoon over Quang Nam Province, Vietnam early Sept. 28 before weakening as it tracked across southern Laos and eastern Thailand. Noru injured at least eight people in Quang Tri Province. More than 300,000 people across Central Vietnam evacuated late Sept. 27. At least 300 other houses in Quang Tri Province were damaged. Airports across Central Vietnam did not sustain any damage and have reopened since the afternoon of Sept. 28. Sections of the highway connecting Hanoi with Ho Chi Minh City remain closed due to landslides and flooding. Reports indicate large-scale power outages in Da Nang and Thua Thien Hue Province as well as power outages affecting 210,000 households in Quang Ngai Province and more than 345,000 households in Quang Nam Province.

Authorities in Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand, evacuated more than 4,000 people due to the Mun River overflowing and flooding 14 districts. A river overflowing in Huai Samran District in Sisaket Province flooded 10 communities and forced evacuations. Authorities have confirmed one fatality and two others injured in Huai Thap Than District, Sisaket Province due to a falling tree. Flights at Ubon Ratchathani International Airport (UBP) were canceled or diverted Sept. 28 due to adverse weather conditions.

Although weather conditions have improved across the region, the various meteorological agencies have warned of heavy rainfall through at least Oct. 1. The Vietnam National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) has warned of moderate to heavy rain over the North Central Coast and Red River Delta regions Sept. 29-30. The Cambodia Department of Meteorology has issued orange (middle level on a three-tier scale) heavy rainfall and strong wind warnings over the northern, northeastern, and southern coastal parts of the country and yellow heavy rainfall and strong wind warnings across the rest of the country through at least Oct. 1. Orange high wave warnings have also been issued for surrounding sea areas. The Thai Meteorological Department has warned of very heavy rainfall and gusty winds over most of the country through at least Oct. 1. Floods and flash floods are possible. Authorities will likely issue new warnings or update existing advisories in the coming days as the storm dissipates. Additional rainfall is likely to hamper recovery efforts and could lead to additional flooding over already saturated ground and rivers with already high water levels.

Protracted transport and business disruptions are almost certain as emergency crews continue recovery efforts; utility disruptions will probably occur over the coming days and weeks. Shortages of fuel and other essential goods are likely. Driving conditions may be difficult on rural routes and regional highways.

Advice

Monitor local media for updates and advisories on weather conditions. Make allowances for possible supply chain disruptions in affected areas. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in case prolonged electricity outages occur.

Use extreme caution in low-lying areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for flooding. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.