Heavy Rain in Central and Northern Vietnam Raises Risk of Flash Floods and Landslides

Heavy rainfall is forecast for the northern and central coastal regions of Vietnam, increasing the risk of flash floods and landslides in the coming hours. Authorities are urging residents in Quang Ninh, Quang Ngai, and the city of Da Nang to exercise caution. According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, moderate to heavy rain has already been recorded in these areas between 1 PM and 2 PM on September 8. Rainfall measurements included 51mm in Quat Dong (Quang Ninh), 62mm in Hanh Dung (Quang Ngai), and 81mm in Tam Loc and 70mm at the Phuoc Ha dam's main point (Da Nang). Soil moisture models indicate that some areas in these provinces and cities are nearing or have reached saturation (over 85%). Further rainfall is expected, with cumulative amounts projected to be 10-30mm in Quang Ninh (locally over 50mm), and 20-40mm in Quang Ngai and Da Nang (locally over 90mm) throughout the afternoon and evening. In the next 3-6 hours, a high risk of flash floods on small rivers and streams, as well as landslides on steep slopes, is anticipated in numerous communes and wards, including those in Quang Ninh (e.g., Duong Hoa, Hoanh Mo, Mong Cai 3), Quang Ngai (e.g., Ba Dong, Minh Long, Mo Duc), and Da Nang (e.g., Tay Ho, Thang Phu, Thanh Binh). Additionally, water levels on the Dong Nai River at the Ta Lal station are currently 0.17m above alert level 1 and are expected to remain above this level for the next 24 hours. This poses a risk of flooding in low-lying areas along the river, particularly in communes like Dak Lua, Nam Tien, Ta Lal, Thanh Son, and Phu Vinh. Meteorological agencies warn that river floods could inundate low-lying areas, impacting water transportation, aquaculture, agricultural production, public life, and socio-economic activities.