Vietnam: Adverse weather forecast across central regions through at least Nov. 17 /update 1

Heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms is forecast to continue across parts of central Vietnam through at least Nov. 17. As of Nov. 15, the Vietnam National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) has issued a heavy rainfall warning across the affected area. Rainfall totals of 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) with localized amounts of over 50 cm (20 inches) are possible in Quang Tri to Thua Thien Hue provinces and 15-25 cm (6-10 inches) with localized amounts of over 40 cm (16 inches) in Da Nang to Quang Ngai provinces Nov. 15-17. Rainfall totals of 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) with localized amounts of over 30 cm (12 inches) are forecast in Binh Dinh to Ninh Thuan provinces Nov. 15-17 and 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) with localized maximums of over 20 cm (8 inches) in southern Nghe An to Quang Binh provinces Nov. 15-16. Strong winds, lightning, hail, and tornadoes could accompany thunderstorms. The NCHMF has issued a level 2 warning of natural disaster risk due to heavy rainfall, tornadoes, lightning, and hail for the Thua Thien Hue-Quang Ngai area and a level 1 warning across the rest of the affected area.

Flooding due to heavy rainfall in recent days has been reported across parts of the affected area as of Nov. 15. Authorities have reported at least three people are missing and more than 2,000 people have been evacuated from their homes in central Quang Tri province. Floodwaters have submerged several streets and homes in the cities of Hoi An and Hue and numerous roads across the region have been blocked by flooding and landslides, including sections of the main highway linking northern and southern Vietnam.

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

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 affected regions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with 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.