Vietnam: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across central regions as of Oct. 16

Event

Ongoing heavy rainfall and flooding are affecting parts of central Vietnam as of Oct. 16. Floods have killed at least two people in Thua Thien-Hue and Ha Tinh provinces. Authorities evacuated around 5,000 people on Me Suot Street, Hoa Khanh Nam Ward, Lien Chieu District in Da Nang late Oct. 13. Around 1,500 houses, mostly in Da Nang, have been inundated. Reports indicate that parts of Thua Thien Hue are flooded; around 200 homes along the Phu Bai River have been flooded, and some villages along the river are isolated. The floods have also severely damaged transport networks in the affected area. Parts of highways 1, 49, and 49B and numerous provincial roads are impassable.

Further adverse weather is likely across the affected area in the coming days. The Vietnam National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) has warned of heavy rainfall of 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) from southern Ha Tinh to Quang Tri provinces Oct. 16-18, with very heavy rain of 15-30 cm (6-12 inches) likely in Da Nang, and Thua Thien Hue, Quang Nam, and Quang Ngai provinces. Heavy rainfall of 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) is likely from Nghe An to Thua Thien Hue provinces late Oct. 18-19. The NCHMF has issued a level 3 warning of natural disaster risk due to heavy rain, tornadoes, and lightning across Thua Thien Hue, Da Nang, and Quang Nam provinces, a level 2 warning for Quang Ngai Province, and a level 1 warning for southern Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, and Quang Tri provinces. Officials could update and extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

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 heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are likely where significant flooding, strong winds, or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows will probably render additional bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces will likely cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities will probably temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather will likely trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports, including but not limited to Da Nang International Airport (DAD). Authorities will probably suspend port operations or close beach fronts along the South China Sea if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. Flooding will likely block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are probable in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions are likely 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