Vietnam: Adverse weather forecast across northern regions through at least Aug. 12 due to passage of Storm Mulan

Event

Thunderstorms, strong winds, landslides, and flooding are forecast across northern Vietnam through at least Aug. 12 due to the passage of Storm Mulan. The Vietnam National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) has forecast that Storm Mulan, located over the Northeast Region, is likely to continue tracking in a northwesterly direction before gradually dissipating. Authorities have warned of moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms across northern Vietnam as well as Nghe An and Thanh Hoa provinces through Aug. 12. Tornadoes, lightning, hail, and strong winds are also possible during thunderstorms. The NCHMF has issued a level 1 warning of natural disaster risk due to heavy rain, tornadoes, lightning, and hail.

Due to adverse conditions, Vietnam Airlines canceled two flights between Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) in Haiphong City and Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City Aug. 11. Several other flights between Haiphong, Ho Chi Minh, and other cities are delayed. Further flight delays and cancellations are possible. Vietnam Airlines has advised passengers traveling to and from airports in Haiphong, Dien Bien, Vinh, Thanh Hoa, and Hanoi cities as well as Van Don District to monitor weather conditions and information from the airline regularly. Bamboo Airways delayed several flights at Pleiku Airport (PXU), Da Nang International Airport (DAD), Cat Bi International Airport (HPH), Vinh International Airport (VII), and Van Don International Airport (VDO) Aug. 11. Vietjet has also delayed flights at Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) the same day.

Quang Ninh Province closed public beaches while tourism activities at Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island were halted from the afternoon of Aug. 10.

Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding, strong winds, or landslides impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather could also trigger additional flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts along the South China Sea if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Vietnam National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (Vietnamese)