Vietnam: Typhoon Noru tracking westward over Central Vietnam as of early Sept. 28 /update 8

Event

Typhoon Noru is tracking westward over Central Vietnam as of early Sept. 28, following landfall near Da Nang earlier that day. As of 10:00 ICT, the system's center of circulation was approximately 54 km (33 miles) west of Da Nang, Vietnam.

Forecast models indicate that the storm system will weaken rapidly as it tracks west-northwestward across central Vietnam, southern Laos, and eastern Thailand Sept. 28-29, before dissipating over far northwestern Khon Kaen Province in northeastern Thailand late Sept. 29. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and changes could occur over the coming hours.

As of early Sept. 28, the China Meteorological Administration is maintaining a blue (lowest level on a four-tier scale) typhoon warning; heavy rainfall is forecast over the southern coast of Guangxi and eastern Hainan Island through early Sept. 29.

The Vietnam National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) has warned of very heavy rain of 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) across Da Nang, Kon Tum, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Quang Tri, and Thua Thien Hue provinces and heavy rain of 4-8 cm (1.5-3 inches) over Binh Dinh, Gia Lai, and Quang Binh provinces Sept. 28. The heavy rainfall is likely to expand to the North Central Coast and Red River Delta regions Sept. 28-29. Strong winds are likely across central Vietnam. The NCHMF has issued a level 3 warning of natural disaster risk for Central Vietnam.

In Laos, the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment issued warnings for landslides, flooding, strong winds, and rain Sept. 28-29. Authorities have warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall with strong winds across the central and southern parts of the country, including Attapeu, Borikamxay, Khammouan, Pakse, Savannakhet, and Vientiane. Light to moderate rain is forecast over the rest of the country.

The Cambodia Department of Meteorology has issued orange (middle level on a three-tier scale) heavy rainfall and strong wind warnings over the northern, northeastern, and southern coastal parts of the country Sept. 28-30 and yellow heavy rainfall and strong wind warnings across the rest of the country. Orange high wave warnings have also been issued for surrounding sea areas.

The Thai Meteorological Department has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall over most of the country Sept. 28-Oct. 1. Floods and flash floods are possible. Authorities will likely issue new warnings or update existing advisories in the coming days as the storm approaches.

Ahead of the approach of the storm, authorities in Vietnam have evacuated more than 800,000 people from coastal areas in central regions of the country. As of early Sept. 28, authorities are maintaining a curfew in Da Nang and Quang Nam provinces as well as Hue in Thua Thien Hue Province. Schools have been closed in affected regions and public events have been canceled. Reports indicate power outages affecting 555,000 families across Quang Ngai, Quang Nam, and Thua Thien-Hue provinces as well as parts of Da Nang City and parts of Gia Lai and Kon Tum provinces.

Authorities have suspended flights at Buon Ma Thuot (BMV), Chu Lai (VCL), Da Nang International (DAD), Dong Hoi (VDH), Lien Khuong (DLI), Phu Bai International (HUI), Phu Cat (UIH), Pleiku (PXU), Tuy Hoa (TBB), Vinh International (VII) airports through at least the evening of Sept. 28. Dozens of other flights across the country have been canceled or rescheduled. SE5 and SE6 train services on the north-south rail route have been suspended, as well as ferry services between Sa Ky Port and Ly Son Island in Quang Ngai. Authorities have closed multiple highways across Central Vietnam, including National Highway 1A, National Highway 14, Ho Chi Minh Road, and Da Nang-Quang Ngai Highway, as well as other roads from Quang Binh to Khanh Hoa provinces and from the Central Highlands region to the rest of Central Vietnam.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. Localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible if weather conditions prove hazardous.

The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions and render some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary closures of ports are also possible.

Advice

Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast tropical storm conditions. Heed any evacuation orders that may be issued. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for severe flooding and storm surge. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil water advisories following flooding events.

Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the path of the storm, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.

Resources

Joint Typhoon Warning Center
Cambodia Department of Meteorology
China Meteorological Administration
Laos Department of Meteorology and Hydrology
Thai Meteorological Department
Vietnam National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting