Central Vietnam Braces for Heavy Rains as Tropical Depression Shifts Northward

Central Vietnam is experiencing moderate to heavy rainfall, particularly in northern Da Nang, due to the influence of a tropical depression. The rain is expected to shift towards Hue and Quang Tri provinces, with heavy downpours forecast for these areas today, September 13. As of the morning of September 13, the center of the tropical depression was located offshore between Quang Tri province and Da Nang city, approximately 120km northeast of Da Nang and 140km east-northeast of Hue. The system is moving northwest at about 10km/h, with maximum sustained winds near the center at level 6 (39-49 km/h), gusting to level 8. It is projected to make landfall in coastal areas of Ha Tinh province and northern Quang Tri province by 4 AM on September 14. In Da Nang, northern areas are predicted to receive moderate to heavy rain, with some areas experiencing thunderstorms. Southern Da Nang will see scattered showers, with rainfall tending to decrease from the afternoon. Rainfall totals in northern Da Nang are expected to range from 20-50mm, with some areas exceeding 80mm. Despite potentially lower rainfall amounts, coastal areas are warned of high waves of 2-4 meters, posing a risk to fishing vessels and aquaculture. Hue city has already experienced heavy to very heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours, with some locations recording record amounts. From the morning of September 13 to the morning of September 14, Hue is forecast to continue receiving heavy to very heavy rain, with amounts of 100-200mm, and over 300mm in some places, particularly around Bach Ma mountain. The total rainfall for the period from September 13 to 15 could reach 200-30mm in Hue, over 400mm in some areas, and exceed 800-1,000mm in the Bach Ma region. These heavy rains increase the risk of flash floods, landslides in mountainous areas, and inundation in low-lying areas and urban centers with poor drainage. Quang Tri province has also seen very heavy rainfall in the past 24 hours, with some stations recording over 200mm. From early September 13 to early September 15, the province is expected to experience heavy to very heavy rain and thunderstorms, with total rainfall ranging from 150-300mm, and over 400mm in some locations. Intense rainfall rates of 100mm within 3 hours are also possible. Rainfall is expected to gradually decrease thereafter. The tropical depression is forecast to move along the coast from Da Nang to Quang Tri, potentially making landfall and bringing heavy rains from Quang Ngai province northward to Nghe An province, before continuing to move further north. Source: The Saigon Times