Vietnam: Tropical Depression 13W tracking westward across Thua Thien Hue Province as of early Sept. 26 /update 1

Event

Tropical Depression 13W is tracking westward across Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam, early Sept. 26. As of 04:00 ICT, the system's center of circulation was approximately 96 km (60 miles) west-northwest of Da Nang.

Forecast models indicate that the storm will weaken over land as it tracks generally westward across central Vietnam and central Laos through the afternoon of Sept. 26 before continuing westward and dissipating over northeastern Thailand early Sept. 27. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and changes could occur in the coming days.

Vietnam's National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting (NCHMF) has warned that further heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rough seas are likely in northern and central areas over the coming hours and days. Rainfall totals of up to 15 cm (6 inches) are likely across central regions, especially from Quang Tri to Thua Thien Hue provinces. Rainfall totals of up to 8 cm (3 inches) are likely across Southern Vietnam and South Central Coast regions through Sept. 27. Heavy to very heavy rain of up to 40 cm (16 inches) is likely from Thanh Hoa to Quang Binh provinces through Sept. 28.

Authorities in Da Nang advised vessels to return to shore Sept. 24 due to hazardous sea conditions, and officials banned beach activities in Quang Nam Province as of Sept. 25. Flooded roads and associated traffic conditions are ongoing in Da Nang, Thua Thien Hue, and Quang Nam provinces as of early Sept. 26.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. If weather conditions prove hazardous, localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible. The inclement weather could trigger further localized business, transport, and utility disruptions and render additional bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding increase insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.

Advice

Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast tropical storm conditions. Heed any evacuation orders that may be issued. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for severe flooding and storm surge. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil-water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks.

Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the path of the storm, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. 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.

Resources

Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC)
Vietnam National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting (NCHMF)