Northern Vietnam Braces for Heavy Rains, Flood and Landslide Warnings Issued

Heavy rainfall began in northern and north-central Vietnam on the evening of August 4th, with forecasts extending through the 6th, raising concerns of flooding in low-lying areas and flash floods and landslides in mountainous regions. According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, moderate to heavy rain was observed from the afternoon into the evening of August 4th in the northern delta, Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Thanh Hoa, and Nghe An provinces. Specifically, Quang Ninh recorded 74mm of rain in Vang Danh and 37mm in Uong Bi between 4 PM and 6 PM. In Nghe An, Tuong Duong and Con Cuong received approximately 60mm of rain in two hours. In Hanoi, cumulonimbus clouds developed on the evening of August 4th, bringing showers to areas such as Thu Lam, Phu Dong, Dong Anh, Viet Hung, Phuc Loi, and Bo De. By around 7:30 PM, the rain spread to central districts including Tay Ho, Ba Dinh, Hoan Kiem, Dong Da, Cau Giay, and Long Bien, with some areas experiencing heavy downpours. Forecasts predict moderate to heavy rainfall with thunderstorms across the northern region and from Thanh Hoa to northern Quang Tri from the evening of August 4th to the 6th, with amounts ranging from 90mm to 170mm, and locally exceeding 250mm. On the night of August 6th, the northwestern region, southern northern delta, and the area from Thanh Hoa to northern Quang Tri are expected to receive 10mm to 30mm of rain, with some areas seeing over 70mm. The total rainfall for this period, from the afternoon of August 4th to the night of August 6th, is estimated to be between 100mm and 200mm, with localized amounts exceeding 300mm. Authorities have issued strict warnings due to the risk of intense rainfall exceeding 100mm within a three-hour period, which could lead to flooding in low-lying and urban areas, as well as flash floods and landslides in mountainous regions. Due to the heavy rains, a flood surge is expected on rivers in the northern provinces and Thanh Hoa from the night of August 4th to August 7th. Small rivers in the north are predicted to rise to levels between warning level 1 (BĐ1) and level 2 (BĐ2), with some exceeding BĐ2. The upper reaches of the Thao, Ma, and Chu rivers are expected to rise above BĐ1. Consequently, the risk of flash floods and landslides in mountainous and midland areas of the north, and flooding in low-lying areas along rivers and urban zones in the north and Thanh Hoa, is significantly heightened from tonight until the end of August 6th. Meanwhile, a tropical depression located in the eastern South China Sea as of 7 PM on August 4th, with maximum sustained winds near the center at Force 7 (50-61 km/h) and gusts up to Force 9. It is forecast to move towards the northwestern coast of Luzon, Philippines, and may strengthen into a typhoon (Force 8, gusts up to Force 10) by the evening of August 5th. However, it is expected to change course eastward and weaken into a tropical depression by the morning of August 6th, before further weakening into a low-pressure area. Therefore, no direct impact on Vietnam's coast or mainland is anticipated. Vietnam, while pursuing economic growth under its one-party system, is constantly exposed to natural disaster risks due to its geographical characteristics. The northern region, in particular, is susceptible to monsoonal influences, and heavy rainfall poses concerns for infrastructure damage and impacts on citizens' lives. Amidst complex relations with China, enhancing disaster response capabilities remains a crucial task for Vietnam as it aims for stable development in both domestic and foreign affairs. Source: The Saigon Times