Vietnam's Central Region Faces Heavy Rains from Tropical Depression, Flood and Landslide Risks High

Central Vietnam is bracing for heavy to very heavy rainfall from September 13 afternoon through September 15, with some areas expected to receive over 500mm of rain, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting. The tropical depression made landfall in Quang Tri province on the afternoon of September 13, earlier than initially predicted. The storm's westward track contributed to its early landfall. The storm's circulation brought strong winds of level 6-7, with gusts up to level 8, and waves of 3 meters in Con Co island (Quang Tri). Dong Hoi (Quang Tri) and Ky Anh (Ha Tinh) also experienced winds of level 6, with gusts up to level 8. From September 12 to 13, moderate to heavy rain was recorded in the area from Ha Tinh to Hue, with Quang Tri and Hue provinces seeing particularly heavy rainfall, locally exceeding 350mm. As of 4 PM on September 13, the center of the tropical depression was over land in Quang Tri province, with maximum sustained winds near the center at level 6 (39-49 km/h) and gusts up to level 8. The depression is forecast to move west then northwest, weakening into a low-pressure area over central Laos tonight and early tomorrow. However, coastal areas of Quang Tri province will continue to experience strong winds of level 6, with gusts up to level 8, through this evening. Inland areas may see winds of level 5, with gusts of level 6-7. Authorities are warning of potential damage to homes, temporary structures, trees, and advertising signs, as well as disruptions to power, communication, and transportation due to thunderstorms and strong gusts. In addition to the affected central provinces, heavy rainfall is also expected from September 13 to 15 in Thanh Hoa province and the northern midlands and plains, as well as the southern parts of Son La, Phu Tho, Tuyen Quang, and Lao Cai provinces. Rainfall in Thanh Hoa to Quang Tri is predicted to be between 150-350mm, with localized areas exceeding 500mm. The northern midlands and plains could see 20-50mm tonight, and 70-150mm, with localized areas over 200mm, from September 14 to 15. The heavy rains have caused rapid rises in rivers in Quang Tri province, with water levels fluctuating in rivers from Thanh Hoa to Ha Tinh and Hue city. As of 4 PM today, the Kien Giang River (Quang Tri) at Kien Giang station is above alert level 1, and the Thach Han River (Quang Tri) is slightly below alert level 3. The Huong River (Hue City) at Kim Long station is above alert level 1. A flood is expected on rivers from Thanh Hoa to Hue city from today to September 16. Water levels on some rivers in Ha Tinh are predicted to reach alert level 2-3, and the Thach Han River (Quang Tri) is expected to exceed alert level 3. There is a high risk of flooding in low-lying areas along rivers and in urban zones, as well as landslides on steep slopes in provinces from Thanh Hoa to Hue city. Vietnam, under its one-party system, continues its economic growth trajectory. However, natural disaster response remains a critical challenge. With growing concerns over the impacts of climate change, strengthening infrastructure and disaster preparedness is paramount. Simultaneously, balancing economic development with security, amidst a complex relationship with China, is a key policy priority for the Vietnamese government. Source: The Saigon Times