Vietnam: Flooding kills at least 37 October 10-12 /update 1

Event

Authorities reported on Thursday, October 12, that flooding triggered by heavy rain had killed at least 37 people since October 10, with another 40 people reported missing. Thousands have been evacuated from their homes as a tropical depression continues to sweep across northern and central Vietnam. The provinces of Yên Bái and Hòa Bình are the hardest hit, where at least 16,000 homes have been inundated.

Context

Northern Vietnam’s summer monsoon season runs from May to October and regularly results in flooding. However, this current crisis represents one of the highest death tolls ever recorded in the country from flooding.

Advice

Individuals in Vietnam are advised to follow all instructions as issued by local authorities (e.g. possible evacuation orders) and follow local weather forecasts. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.