19 Sep 2019 | 02:42 PM UTC
Vietnam: Flood alert issued in two northern provinces September 19
Flood alert issued for two provinces in northern Vietnam September 19; additional rain and traffic disruptions likely in the coming days
Event
The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) issued a flash flood and landslide alert in the northern provinces of Hà Giang and Lào Cai on Thursday, September 19, following heavy rain, which has affected both areas in the past few days. According to the NCHMF, around 150 mm (6 in) of rain is forecast for the region through Saturday, September 21. The Quảng Bình, Xín Mần, Vị Xuyên districts in Hà Giang province, and Bảo Yên, Bắc Hà and Bảo Thắng districts in Lào Cai province are likely to be the most affected.
Associated power outages and commercial, transportation, and communications disruptions are to be expected in the area over the coming hours and days.
Advice
Individuals in northern provinces are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate adverse weather and power and transportation disruptions, and remember that running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and never drive through flooded streets; floodwater may also contain wastewater and chemical products.
