Central Vietnam faces heightened flood risks from storms, cold air

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Hoang Duc Cuong, deputy head of the Vietnam Meteorological and Hydrological Administration under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, warned that between five and seven storms or tropical depressions are expected to form in the East Vietnam Sea before the end of the year.

Around half of these systems are likely to make landfall.

"Most will hit the central and southern regions," Cuong said.

"This year, cold air is arriving earlier. 

"When storms interact with that cold air and with mountainous terrain, they create very dangerous weather patterns, especially complex flooding in central Vietnam."

Rivers and streams in the region could reach level-2 or level-3 flood alerts, with some expected to rise beyond that.

Sudden downpours may inundate urban areas, industrial parks, and low-lying coastal zones.

Mountainous provinces are at high risk of flash floods and landslides.

In the Mekong Delta, flood peaks are expected to remain unusually low, raising concerns about drought impacts on agriculture and aquaculture. 

Saltwater intrusion could worsen by late 2025 and into early 2026, Cuong added.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said storm activity in September will likely match historical norms, with around 2.4 systems expected. Of those, about 1.2 are forecast to reach land.

Rainfall in northern lowland areas and the central provinces from Thanh Hoa to Gia Lai may exceed the seasonal average by 10-25 percent.

These areas are expected to experience prolonged heavy rain, with additional showers and storms forecast nationwide.

Lightning, hail, and strong winds are possible in several regions, especially in areas affected by storms, tropical depressions, or the southwest monsoon.

Rough seas and high waves may disrupt marine operations.

Experts caution that these conditions will not only threaten public safety but also pose significant risks to agriculture, industry, and public health.