Vietnam Central Coast Braces for Heavy Rains as Tropical Depression Forms

Vietnam's central coast is bracing for widespread heavy rainfall from September 12th to 16th due to an approaching tropical depression. The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that a tropical depression formed early on September 12th, developing from a tropical low-pressure system over the southwestern waters of the Paracel Islands (Hoàng Sa). As of 4 AM on September 12th, the tropical depression was located approximately 150km southwest of the Paracel Islands, with sustained winds of 39-49 km/h (Force 6) and gusts up to 61 km/h (Force 8). It is forecast to move northwest towards the waters off Hue and Da Nang, with little chance of further intensification. By 4 AM on September 13th, the storm is expected to be over the waters of Hue and Da Nang (120km northeast of Da Nang city), maintaining Force 6 winds and Force 8 gusts. It is then projected to move west-northwest towards Quang Tri province, making landfall and gradually weakening. Due to the tropical depression, strong winds of Force 6 with gusts up to Force 8 are expected in the western waters of the Paracel Islands and from Ha Tinh to Quang Ngai province, with sea waves reaching 2-4 meters, causing rough seas. Vessels operating in these dangerous areas are at risk of encountering thunderstorms, whirlwinds, strong winds, and large waves. Heavy rainfall is anticipated on September 12th, particularly concentrated in the southern part of Quang Tri province down to Quang Ngai province. Rainfall amounts could range from 80-150mm, with localized areas exceeding 250mm. Ha Tinh to northern Quang Tri province may experience moderate to heavy rain of 40-80mm, with some areas receiving over 150mm. From the day and night of September 13th, heavy to very heavy rainfall of 80-180mm, locally exceeding 300mm, is forecast for areas from southern Nghe An province to Da Nang. From September 14th day and night, heavy to very heavy rainfall of 70-150mm, locally exceeding 250mm, is expected from Thanh Hoa to Quang Tri province. These heavy rains are likely to persist until the morning of September 16th. The heavy rainfall is expected to cause river levels to rise and lead to potential flooding from Thanh Hoa to Da Nang province between September 12th and 16th. Rivers such as the Ngàn Sâu and Ngàn Phố in Ha Tinh are predicted to reach alert levels 2-3, while rivers in Thanh Hoa and Quang Tri may exceed alert level 2. Vietnam's vulnerability to tropical storms and typhoons, exacerbated by its geography and climate change, has led to increasingly severe impacts in recent years. Coastal and low-lying areas are particularly susceptible to infrastructure damage and disruptions to daily life. Source: The Saigon Times