10 Nov 2020 | 04:39 PM UTC
Vietnam: Tropical Storm Etau makes landfall north of Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa province) November 10 /update 2
Tropical Storm Etau makes landfall north of Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa province) on November 10; rainfall and associated flooding expected in the coming days
Event
Tropical Storm Etau made landfall to the north of Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa province) during the afternoon of Tuesday, November 10. Although Etau has weakened into a tropical depression as it moves westwards towards Cambodia, it has caused increased rainfall which is likely to produce widespread flooding and landslides. Etua has produced rainfall of up to 250mm (10in) in the provinces of Binh Dinh, Khanh Hoa, Phu Yen, and provinces in the Central Highlands. Authorities have warned that Quang Nam and Khanh Hoa provinces, in particular, are vulnerable to the risks of landslides and flooding. Parts of Tuy Hoa (Phu Yen province) have been inundated with floodwaters and localized power outages have been reported. Trees were uprooted and a number of properties were also damaged in Nha Trang. A total of 31 houses have been damaged within Khanh Hoa province. Two people have been killed in Phu Ninh district (Quang Nam province) and in Binh Dinh province in storm-related incidents. Tuy Hoa Airport (TBB), Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR), Cảng Hàng Không Phù Cát Airport (UIH), Buon Ma Thuot Airport (BMV), and Lien Khuong Airport (DLI) were closed ahead of Etau's landfall.
Associated flooding, landslides, and disruptions to transport, business, and utilities are possible in the near term.
Context
Tropical depressions, storms, and typhoons are common from June to October, posing a considerable threat to human populations and infrastructure. The impact varies depending on the intensity of the storm system, as well as the topographical orientation of the affected area(s) and the observance of existing disaster preparedness programs.
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.
