Vietnam: Storm Haikui hits south-central region Nov. 14 /update 4

Event

South-central Vietnam was hit by Storm Haikui on Tuesday, November 14. The storm had been moving in a southwesterly direction November 12-14 prior to making landfall and is currently weakening into a tropical depression. The 300 km (185 mi) of coastline from Quang Tri to Quang Ngai - including the popular resort towns of Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An - will likely be inflicted by heavy rains and possibly flash floods.

The region is still recovering from Typhoon Damrey, which resulted in the deaths of 106 people when it made landfall on November 4; as of November 12, a dozen people remained missing. At least 120,000 homes were damaged and 30,000 people had to evacuate due to floods during Damrey’s passage. Most of the deaths were reported in the provinces of Khanh Hoa, Quang Nam, and Binh Dinh. The two popular resort towns of Da Nang and Hoi An also suffered heavy flooding.

Context

Typhoon Damrey was the 12th major storm to hit Vietnam this year. In October, heavy rains and subsequent floods and landslides killed over 80 people in the northern provinces of Yen Bai and Hoa Binh. In September, Typhoon Doksuri struck Ha Tinh and Quang Binh provinces, killing 17 people and causing over USD 700 million in damages.

Advice

Individuals present in Vietnam are advised to keep abreast of weather forecasts, confirm travel reservations, and adhere to all advice issued by the local authorities.

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. In addition, because floodwater may also contain wastewater or chemical products, wear boots and try to avoid any contact with the water. All items having come into contact with the water should be washed and disinfected and foodstuffs discarded.