28 Oct 2024 | 09:27 AM UTC
Vietnam: Tropical Depression Trami tracking east-northeastward over Quang Nam Province Oct. 28 /update 11
TD Trami tracking east-northeastward over central Vietnam Oct. 28. Further severe weather forecast over the region through at least Oct. 30.
Tropical Depression Trami is tracking east-northeastward over Quang Nam Province, Vietnam, Oct. 28. Trami made landfall as a tropical storm over southern Thua Thien Hue Province close to Da Nang at around 10:00 ICT Oct. 27 and then stalled as it weakened into a depression over central Vietnam and southeastern Laos. As of 04:00 Oct. 28, the system's center of circulation was approximately 50 km (31 miles) south-southwest of Da Nang, Vietnam.
Forecast models indicate that the system will maintain its tracks northeastward and then east-northeastward over Quang Nam Province and moves out into the South China Sea early Oct. 29. Trami is expected to weaken and dissipate as it tracks southeastward off the coast of central Vietnam Oct. 29-early Oct. 30. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and changes could occur in the coming days.
As of Oct. 28, Vietnam's National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) has issued a warning for the storm, advising of further heavy rainfall from southern Ha Tinh to Thua Thien Hue provinces, as well as strong winds and rough seas over coastal waters. A separate warning for heavy rainfall has been issued for the region. Rainfall totals of 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) with isolated heavier amounts of over 35 cm (14 inches) are forecast from southern Ha Tinh to Thua Thien Hue provinces Oct. 28-29 and a further 3-6 cm (1.2-2.4 inches) with localized heavier amounts over 8 cm (3.1 inches) from southern Ha Tinh to Quang Nam provinces Oct. 30.
Authorities have reported at least four fatalities and one other person is missing across affected areas of central Vietnam amid the severe weather brought by the storm. Damage to coastal roads and some beachfront buildings has been reported in Thue Thien Hue and Da Nang provinces near where the storm made landfall. Power outages have also been reported in Thua Thien Hue and other affected areas. Further north, at least 15,000 homes have been flooded in parts of Quang Binh Province and many schools are closed across parts of Quang Binh and Quang Tri provinces. Flooding on the railway line between Le Thuy District in Quang Binh and Vinh Linh District in Quang Tri has caused disruptions to train services between Dong Hoi and Dong Ha. Several roads across the region have been made impassable due to floodwaters, and landslides have been reported in dozens of locations along National Highway 9B in Quang Binh and Ho Chi Minh Highway in Quang Tri.
Authorities urged residents in Thua Thien Hue and Da Nang provinces to stay home during the passing of the storm Oct. 27. Authorities in Quang Binh and Quang Nam provinces have banned all coastal activities until the storm passes. Quang Tri Province has called for the return of all fishing vessels. Authorities suspended operations at Da Nang International Airport (DAD), Phu Bai International Airport (HUI), Dong Hoi Airport (VDH), and Chu Lai Airport (VCL) Oct. 27 as the storm made landfall; normal operations are resuming as of Oct. 28 but residual delays are likely as airlines work to clear the backlog of passengers.
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.
Inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions, rendering some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary port closures are also possible. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.
Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast typhoon or Tropical Depression 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.
