19 Sep 2024 | 09:39 AM UTC
South East Asia: Tropical Depression 16W tracking westward after making landfall over Quang Binh Province, Vietnam, Sept. 19 /update 2
TD 16W tracking westward over Quang Binh Province, Vietnam, as of Sept. 19. Severe weather likely over South East Asia through Sept. 20.
Tropical Depression 16W is tracking westward over Quang Binh Province, Vietnam, Sept. 19, having made landfall in the past few hours. As of 13:00 ICT, the system's center of circulation was approximately 180 km (112 miles) northwest of Da Nang, Vietnam.
Forecast models indicate that the storm will weaken as it tracks westward into central Laos late Sept. 19-early Sept. 20. The storm will then dissipate as it tracks west-northwestward into eastern Thailand Sept. 20. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and changes could occur in the coming hours and days.
Vietnam's National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting (NCHMF) has issued an emergency warning for the storm system, advising that strong winds are occurring in coastal areas from Ha Tinh to Quang Tri provinces Sept. 19. Heavy rainfall is expected from Thanh Hoa to Quang Tri provinces Sept. 19-20, with rainfall totals of 10-25 cm (4-10 inches) likely and localized amounts of over 40 cm (16 inches) possible. Storm surges of 30-50 cm (12-20 inches) from Nghe An to Thua Thien Hue provinces, together with high tides and large waves, may result in landslides and flooding in low-lying areas.
The Laos Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has warned of heavy rainfall over central and southern provinces Sept. 19 and the Thai Meteorological Department has issued a warning for the storm system advising isolated very heavy rains with strong winds are possible across many parts of the country over the coming days.
Authorities in Quang Binh have imposed a ban on all maritime activities and instructed all vessels to seek shelter. Dong Hoi Airport (VDH) has announced it will close between 15:00-22:00 Sept. 19. Authorities in Da Nang have suspended tourism activities on Son Tra Peninsula and boat services to Ly Son Island in Quang Ngai Province are also suspended. Much of northern Vietnam is still recovering from the passage of Typhoon Yagi, which resulted in at least 298 fatalities and 35 others still missing. The system made landfall over Quang Ninh Province the afternoon of Sept. 7, before weakening into a tropical storm and then dissipating as it moved west-northwestward over northern Vietnam through Sept. 8.
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 localized business, transport, and utility disruptions and render some 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.
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.
