Heavy Rains Devastate Over 1,000 Hectares of Crops in Central Vietnam

Heavy rains have caused damage to over 1,000 hectares of rice and other crops in central Vietnam. As of 5 PM on September 15, data compiled from provincial and city disaster response centers in Thanh Hoa, Quang Tri, Hue, Da Nang, and Quang Ngai indicated that one house collapsed, 13 were damaged, and nearly 1,000 were flooded. Crop damage affected more than 1,068 hectares. Quang Tri province specifically reported one collapsed house, seven damaged houses, and 940 flooded houses. By the afternoon of September 14, floodwaters in submerged homes had begun to recede. In Thanh Hoa province, localized flooding affected roads leading to three residential areas, impacting 470 households. Two houses were damaged, and 37.65 hectares of rice and other crops suffered losses. Regarding civilian evacuation, 988 households were moved to safe shelters and have since returned home. This includes 939 households in Quang Tri, 5 in Hue, and 44 in Da Nang. Of the affected crops, Thanh Hoa reported 37.65 hectares damaged, Quang Tri 387 hectares, Da Nang 581 hectares, and Quang Ngai 63.2 hectares. In Quang Tri, one head of cattle and 1,250 poultry were lost due to the floods. In terms of transportation, 11 national and provincial roads in Thanh Hoa and Quang Tri were inundated, causing traffic disruptions. Additionally, 64 inter-village roads in Thanh Hoa and 53 points of landslides were reported across Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Quang Tri provinces. Roads in Quang Tri and Hue have since reopened. In the water management sector, approximately 100 meters of stream bank in Quang Tri experienced landslides. A notable incident occurred around 2 PM on September 13 near the My Chanh railway bridge in Quang Tri province. Heavy rainfall and strong river currents swept three barges downstream, where they became trapped near the bridge, posing a direct threat to the railway, National Highway 1, and inland waterway safety. Authorities have since processed and moved two of the three barges; one sunken barge is still being addressed. Localities are continuing to monitor flood information closely, focusing on responses to heavy rain, floods, flash floods, and landslides, particularly in southern Phu Tho province and the provinces of Hung Yen, Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, and Nghe An. Affected provinces and cities are urgently working to overcome the consequences of the disaster. They are closely monitoring river water levels in the North and Thanh Hoa, enhancing warnings to local authorities and residents about the risks of rapid water level rises, deep flooding, and isolation. Furthermore, control measures are in place for people and vehicles at submerged crossings and areas with fast-flowing water. Evacuations of residents from riverside areas, streams, low-lying zones, and areas prone to deep flooding, flash floods, and landslides are being organized to safer locations. A 24-hour duty system is maintained to ensure timely information reporting and communication, supporting seamless command and operation from the central government to local levels.