Mainland Southeast Asia: Disruptions ongoing across Mainland Southeast Asia as of Sept. 30 following passage of Typhoon Noru /update 1

Event

Disruptions are ongoing across Mainland Southeast Asia as of the as of Sept. 30 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. Hundreds of thousands of people were evacuated from at-risk areas of Vietnam ahead of the approach of the storm. Authorities have reported at least three fatalities in Nghe An Province and the storm injured at least 57 people in Quang Ngai, Quang Tri, and Thua Thien provinces. Wind damage has been reported in the provinces and cities of Thua Thien Hue, Da Nang, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh, Kon Tum, and Gia Lai and flooding has been reported in Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Ha Tinh provinces. Thousands of homes have been damaged or destroyed by flooding in the affected provinces. 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, Thua Thien, Quang Ngai, and Quang Nam provinces.

Flooding and strong winds have affected parts of Phetchabun, Amnat Charoen, Sisaket, Yasothon, Ubon Ratchathani, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Mukdahan, Saraburi, Chainat, and Sa Kaeo provinces in Thailand. Authorities in Ubon Ratchathani Province 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.

Authorities in Cambodia have reported 16 weather-related fatalities after heavy rainfall associated with the storm triggered widespread flooding across parts of Koh Kong, Pursat, Battambang, Pailin, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, Siem Reap, Kampong Thom, and Kampong Chhnang provinces. Many homes have been flooded and a number of roads have been made impassable due to flooding, including sections of National Road 6 and National Road 9. Thousands of people have also been affected in parts of southern Laos. The worst affected provinces include Attapeu, Sekong, and Champasak. Dozens of villages in Sekong Province were flooded after the River Sekong burst its banks. Several roads have been made impassable by flooding and landslides and electricity and water supplies have been impacted in the parts of the affected areas.

Although weather conditions have improved across the region as the system has largely dissipated, the various meteorological agencies have warned of further adverse weather across parts of the region over the coming days. The Vietnam National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) has warned of moderate-to-heavy rain accompanied by possible thunderstorms, lightning, strong wind gusts, and possible tornadoes over northern coastal, central, and south-central regions through at least Oct. 2 The Cambodia Department of Meteorology has issued yellow thunderstorm warnings (the lowest level in a three-tier scale) across much of the country through Oct. 2. Orange high wave warnings have also been issued for surrounding sea areas. The Thai Meteorological Department has warned of very heavy rainfall over parts of northern, central, eastern, and southern Thailand Sept. 30, as well as rough seas and strong winds in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand through at least Oct. 1. 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.