Hanoi Hit by Intense Thunderstorms, Flood and Landslide Warnings Issued

Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, was hit by intense thunderstorms on September 23rd, as developed cumulonimbus clouds moved in from the south. According to the National Center for Meteorological and Hydrological Forecasting, as of 9:50 AM, rain clouds were actively developing in southern Hanoi districts such as Phu Xuyen, Thuong Tin, Tam Hung, Ngoc Hoi, and Dai Thanh, with a tendency to expand towards the city center. The forecast indicates that this thunderstorm system will continue to bring rain and thunder to many areas within Hanoi over the next three hours. In the Ha Dong district, dark clouds gathered around 10:00 AM, followed by a short period of heavy rain and thunder. The rain has since spread to other districts, including Thanh Xuan, Cau Giay, Dong Da, and Tay Ho. The meteorological authorities predict scattered showers and thunderstorms in the southern part of the northern delta, Hanoi, and southern Phu Tho province, with some areas experiencing heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, central and southern regions are expected to experience peak rainfall on September 23rd and 24th. Specifically, areas from southern Quang Tri province to Da Nang, and the eastern parts of Quang Ngai to Dak Lak provinces, could see heavy to very heavy rainfall ranging from 60-120mm, with localized amounts exceeding 200mm. Khanh Hoa, Lam Dong, and southern provinces are forecast to receive moderate to heavy rainfall, with localized amounts exceeding 150mm. On September 24th, the heavy rainfall is expected to shift northward, with heavy to very heavy rain anticipated from Ha Tinh to Da Nang, potentially exceeding 200mm in some areas. The eastern parts of Quang Ngai to Dak Lak provinces, Khanh Hoa, Lam Dong, and southern provinces are forecast to receive 20-40mm, with localized amounts exceeding 80mm. On the night of September 25th, Ha Tinh to Hue will continue to experience rainfall, generally between 40-80mm, with localized amounts exceeding 120mm. Areas south of Da Nang to the southern provinces are expected to receive 10-30mm, with localized heavy rainfall exceeding 70mm. Meteorological agencies have warned that the heavy rainfall could lead to flooding in low-lying areas, urban and industrial zones, flash floods in small rivers, and landslides in mountainous regions. The Southern Hydro-Meteorological Station has stated that widespread heavy rainfall will continue in the southern region from September 23rd to 25th. Source: The Saigon Times