Vietnam: Tropical Depression Yinxing tracking westward over south-central Vietnam as of late Nov. 12 /update 11

Tropical Depression Yinxing is tracking westward over Gia Lai Province in south-central Vietnam late Nov. 12, having made landfall over Binh Dinh Province during the early afternoon. As of 19:00 ICT, the system's center of circulation was approximately 224 km (139 miles) south of Da Nang, Vietnam.

Forecast models indicate that the weather system will continue to weaken as it tracks generally westward further inland over south-central Vietnam and into northeastern Cambodia through early Nov. 13, before dissipating as it passes close to the border between northern Cambodia and southwestern Laos Nov. 13. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and changes could occur in the coming days.

As of late Nov. 12, the Vietnam National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting (NCHMF) issued a storm warning advising that the storm brought strong winds to Ly Son Island in Quang Ngai Province and moderate to heavy rainfall with some intense downpours from Thua Thien Hue to Phu Yen provinces Nov. 11-12. Heavy rainfall warnings remain in place across central coastal regions and the northern Central Highlands overnight Nov. 12-13. Rainfall totals of 2-6 cm (0.8-2.4 inches) with localized heavier amounts over 12 cm (4.7 inches) are forecast between Quang Nam and Phu Yen provinces as well as the northern Central Highlands. The Laos Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (DMH) has forecast moderate rainfall with strong winds over southern regions. Cambodia's Department of Meteorology has not issued any weather warnings regarding the storm, whilst the Thai Meteorological Department has issued a weather advisory stating that the storm does not present a direct threat to Thailand.

Parts of central Vietnam are still recovering from Tropical Storm Trami's passage and the resultant flooding and landslides. 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. Further rainfall is likely to lead to additional flooding and landslides, as well as hamper ongoing recovery efforts.

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. 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.