Northern Vietnam Braces for Heavy Rainfall, Up to 300mm Forecast, Raising Infrastructure and Livelihood Concerns

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting has predicted a continuation of heavy rainfall from the afternoon of August 4th to August 6th in Northern Vietnam, including the capital Hanoi, and the provinces from Thanh Hoa to Ha Tinh. Some areas may experience rainfall exceeding 300mm, with precipitation expected to be concentrated in the late afternoon, evening, and early morning hours. This rainfall is attributed to the influence of a low-pressure trough connected to a low-pressure vortex at higher altitudes. Particularly, Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Hung Yen, Ninh Binh, Phu Tho, Son La, Dien Bien, Thai Nguyen, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Hanoi are likely to face heavy to very heavy rainfall. Meteorologists have cautioned that even before the main downpour, localized thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected from this evening until tomorrow morning in the North and the provinces of Thanh Hoa and Nghe An, with rainfall ranging from 10mm to 35mm, and in some places over 100mm. This increases the risk of landslides, flash floods, and inundation in urban and industrial areas. In response, the National Civil Defense Steering Committee has instructed the People's Committees of northern provinces and cities to organize the evacuation of residents from areas along rivers, streams, and low-lying zones to safety. Measures to ensure the functionality of main transportation routes, prevent urban and industrial flooding, and secure mines, construction sites, and dams are also being reinforced. For August, rainfall in Northern Vietnam and from Thanh Hoa to Quang Tri provinces, as well as the northern part of the Central Highlands, is forecast to be 10-30% higher than the multi-year average. This is part of a series of weather events affecting Vietnam, underscoring the critical importance of infrastructure development and disaster preparedness for the rapidly growing economy. Source: The Saigon Times