Vietnam: Response operations ongoing following flooding and landslides in Lao Cai Province as of Sept. 14

Event

Response operations are ongoing after heavy rainfall caused damage and casualties across parts of Lao Cai Province as of Sept. 14. Downpours across the region late Sept. 12-early Sept. 13 caused river levels to rise and triggered flash flooding and landslides in parts of the province. Several people were swept away by floodwaters and dozens of homes, roads, and bridges have been damaged by floods and landslides. Authorities have reported at least nine fatalities and four others are missing across Lao Cai. The worst-affected area is Nam Cang village near Sa Pa Town; response operations are ongoing in the area to search for missing persons and aid those affected by the severe weather.

Further adverse weather is forecast across northern Vietnam over the coming days. Additional downpours could trigger further flooding and landslides in the affected region due to high river levels and saturated soil, as well as hamper ongoing response and recovery operations.

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.

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