Vietnam: Dozens missing following landslide at barracks in Huong Hoa district (Quang Tri province) October 18 /update 3

Event

A landslide triggered by heavy rains struck a barracks in Huong Hoa district (Quang Tri province) and has left at least 22 missing on Sunday, October 18. Emergency services continue to conduct rescue efforts at the barracks, which is located in Huong Phung. The incident comes following a landslide that killed 13 people, including soldiers, in Thau Thien Hue province, during rescue operations at the Rào Trăng 3 Hydropower Plant.

As of Sunday, some 682,000 people have been affected by flooding in central Vietnam with at least 136,000 houses being inundated. Over 70 people have been killed in flood-related incidents that have been exacerbated by the recent passing of tropical storms Linfa and Nangka.

Rainfall reaching up to 600mm (24in) is forecast to continue in central Vietnam until at least Wednesday, October 21. As such, further flooding and associated disruptions to business and transport should be anticipated.

Advice

Those in affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate transportation disruptions, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions before setting out, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, including evacuation orders. Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters.