Ho Chi Minh City and Southern Region Brace for Heavy Rainfall, Up to 180mm Expected

Ho Chi Minh City and the southern region of Vietnam are forecast to experience widespread heavy rainfall over the weekend, with potential accumulations of up to 180mm for the entire period. The Southern Regional Hydro-Meteorological Station attributes the heavy rainfall to a tropical convergence band extending from low to high altitudes over the south-central region, connected to a low-pressure area in the central East Sea. This convergence band is showing a tendency to shift southward due to the influence of the Pacific's western Pacific high-pressure system. Widespread rain is expected across the southern region for all three days of the weekend, with moderate to very heavy showers and thunderstorms in some areas. During thunderstorms, strong gusts, tornadoes, and lightning pose risks. Mornings are expected to be cool and favorable for outdoor activities in most areas, except for the southern part of the Hau River region where rain may occur in the morning. By noon and afternoon, the rain will expand northward, with rainfall concentrated mainly in the afternoons and evenings in the Eastern region and Ho Chi Minh City. From 1 PM on September 18 to 1 PM on September 20, Ho Chi Minh City is predicted to receive moderate to very heavy rainfall, with accumulated amounts generally ranging from 70-150mm, and exceeding 150mm in some locations. Similarly, the southern region is forecast to experience moderate to very heavy showers and thunderstorms during the same 48-hour period, with total rainfall ranging from 80-150mm, and over 170mm in certain areas. The heavy rainfall in the southern region is expected to persist until the end of September 24. Can Tho City has requested a review of water sources, preparation of water storage equipment, and the development of response plans for a scenario of very high salinity intrusion during the upcoming dry season. Vietnam's continued economic growth under its one-party system is increasingly confronted by the risks of natural disasters exacerbated by climate change. The southern region, being an economic hub with a high population density, faces significant challenges in infrastructure development and urban planning to address these meteorological events. Furthermore, in relation to China, cooperation on water resource management and environmental issues may become a focus for future regional collaboration. Source: The Saigon Times