Central Vietnam Braces for Heavy Rain as Tropical Depression Intensifies

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, a tropical depression in the central East Sea is expected to intensify into a tropical storm within the next 1-2 days. Consequently, heavy rainfall is forecast to persist in central Vietnam until the morning of September 16. The tropical depression has been active in the central East Sea and is likely to strengthen. Meanwhile, cold air is exerting a weak influence on northwestern areas and regions from Quang Tri to Hue. From the night of September 11 to the early morning of September 12, Northern Vietnam and areas from Thanh Hoa to Ha Tinh will experience cooler temperatures, with lows ranging from 21-24°C. Higher elevations in the north may feel chilly. Daytime will see sunny spells, with temperatures rising to a high of 31-33°C. However, due to the combined effects of cold air, the tropical depression, and the southwest monsoon, central regions from Ha Tinh to Da Nang and eastern Quang Ngai province are expected to receive moderate to heavy rainfall, ranging from 50-100mm, with some areas potentially exceeding 200mm. Specifically, Hue and Da Nang vicinities could see 70-150mm, with isolated areas receiving over 250mm. From the night of September 12 to September 13, Ha Tinh to Da Nang will face very heavy rainfall, with amounts ranging from 70-150mm, and some locations exceeding 250mm. On September 13, Thanh Hoa to Nghe An and eastern Quang Ngai province are forecast to receive moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms, with amounts of 20-40mm, and some areas exceeding 70mm. Furthermore, from the night of September 13 to September 14, the rain belt is expected to shift northward. Northern mountainous areas, northern plains, and southern parts of Son La, Tuyen Quang, and Lao Cai provinces could experience moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms, with amounts ranging from 30-70mm, and some areas exceeding 120mm. Thanh Hoa to Quang Tri will be hit by very heavy rainfall, with amounts from 100-200mm, and some areas exceeding 300mm. This heavy rainfall is projected to continue until the morning of September 16. These heavy rains are likely to cause river levels to rise from Thanh Hoa to Da Nang between September 12 and 16, leading to potential floods. The Ngàn Sâu and Ngàn Phố rivers in Ha Tinh province may reach alert levels 2-3. Rivers in Thanh Hoa, upstream of the Cả river in Nghe An, and rivers in Quang Tri could reach alert levels 1-2 or exceed alert level 2. Rivers in Hue and the Vu Gia river in Da Nang are expected to rise above alert level 1. In response, the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control issued a directive on the evening of September 11, urging provincial and city authorities in the central region, Son La, Lao Cai, and Tuyen Quang to mobilize rapid response teams to inspect and review areas at risk of flooding, landslides, and flash floods, and to proactively organize the evacuation of residents to safe locations. Localities are also instructed to arrange personnel, supplies, and equipment to address incidents, ensure the smooth flow of traffic on main routes, and combat flooding in urban and industrial zones. Additionally, measures must be implemented to ensure the safety of mines, construction sites, dams, and downstream areas, particularly small hydropower and irrigation dams, and those in vulnerable conditions. At sea, from the night of September 11 to September 12, the northern East Sea will experience strong northeasterly winds, leading to rough seas. Southwest winds are also expected to strengthen along the southern coast of Vietnam, causing rough sea conditions. The path and intensity of the tropical depression are subject to change, introducing uncertainty regarding the extent and volume of rainfall in central Vietnam in the coming days. Source: The Saigon Times