Vietnam: Flooding casualties mount as Typhoon Saudel approaches October 22 /update 4

Event

Vietnamese authorities report that at least 114 people have been killed and a further 21 are missing as of Thursday, October 22, amid heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides which have been affecting central Vietnam since the beginning of the month. The majority of casualty reports have come from the provinces of Quang Tri, Thua Thien Hue, and Quang Nam. The continued rainfall and flooding comes as Typhoon Saudel tracks towards central Vietnam, where it is expected to make landfall by Sunday, October 25. As of 06:45 (UTC) on October 22, Saudel was approximately 850km (528mi) east of Hue, heading west-northwest, with maximum sustained winds of 120kph (75mph). Saudel would be the third tropical cyclone to make landfall in Vietnam this month.

At least 178,000 homes have been inundated nationwide over the course of October, with approximately 700,000 people affected and nearly 700,000 poultry and livestock having been killed or swept away. Some 206,800 people were evacuated in the provinces of Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, and Quang Tri on Wednesday, October 21.

Further rainfall is expected in coming days. 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.