Vietnam: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across central and south-central regions as of Oct. 13

Event

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of central and south-central Vietnam as of Oct. 13. Heavy rainfall was recorded across much of the affected region Oct. 10-11, with some parts of Thua Thien Hue Province receiving more than 85 cm (33 inches) of rainfall in a 24-hour period. Authorities have reported one fatality due to flooding in Quang Nam Province; one person is missing and 1,500 homes have been flooded in Tam Ky, the capital of Quang Nam. One person has been reported missing following a landslide and around 1,000 families evacuated due to flooding in parts of Quang Ngai Province. Authorities in Phu Yen have reported around 220 homes have been damaged by flooding and further damaged homes, landslides, and flooded roads have been reported in parts of Binh Thuan, Thua Thien Hue, and Quang Tri provinces.

As of Oct. 13, the Vietnam National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) has warned of further heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in central and south-central regions through Oct. 16. Total rainfall accumulations of 20-50 cm (8-20 inches) are expected in parts of the affected area Oct. 13-16, with localized accumulations of up to 60 cm (24 inches) possible. The heavy rainfall will likely trigger further flooding and landslides in parts of central and south-central Vietnam. Tornadoes, lightning, hail, and strong winds are also possible during thunderstorms. The NCHMF has issued a level 2 warning of natural disaster risk due to heavy rain and a level 1.5 warning for tornadoes, lightning, and strong winds.

Hazardous Conditions
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional 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)