Central, southern Vietnam brace for heavy rain, localized flooding

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said on Wednesday that moderate to heavy rain with thunderstorms has occurred from Hue to Da Nang and in eastern Quang Ngai Province.

Some areas recorded more than 70 millimeters of rain, including 101 millimeters in Huong Phu, Hue, 88 millimeters in Tam Ky, Da Nang, and 70 millimeters in Binh Tri, Quang Ngai.

Heaviest rain expected tonight and tomorrow

From Wednesday evening through Thursday night, the areas from Hue to Da Nang are forecast to receive 150-300 millimeters of rain, with some locations potentially recording more than 500 millimeters.

Eastern Quang Ngai is expected to receive 100-200 millimeters, with some areas seeing more than 300 millimeters.

From early Thursday through Friday, heavy rain is forecast to expand northward.

The areas from Ha Tinh to Quang Tri are expected to receive 50-120 millimeters, with some locations recording more than 200 millimeters.

On Friday, Thanh Hoa and Nghe An will see moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms, with rainfall of 20-40 millimeters and some areas receiving more than 80 millimeters.

From Friday night through Saturday, the areas from Thanh Hoa to Quang Tri are forecast to receive 40-100 millimeters of rain, with some locations seeing more than 150 millimeters.

Heavy rain is expected to ease from Sunday.

The meteorological agency said the heaviest rain during the period is likely to be concentrated from southern Quang Tri to Da Nang, particularly in Hue and Da Nang.

It warned that widespread and deep flooding is unlikely across central Vietnam, with the flooding expected to be mainly localized.

However, intense rainfall could cause urban flooding from Quang Tri to Da Nang, while flash floods and landslides are possible in mountainous areas.

Ho Chi Minh City faces localized flooding

Rainfall is also expected to increase in the Central Highlands and southern Vietnam from Wednesday through Saturday under the influence of a tropical convergence zone.

Moderate rain and scattered thunderstorms are in the forecast, with some areas receiving heavy to very heavy rain, mainly in the afternoon and evening.

Thunderstorms are also expected to increase along the south-central coast, including the eastern parts of Gia Lai, Dak Lak and Lam Dong Provinces, as well as Khanh Hoa Province.

The agency warned of localized heavy rain that could cause flooding in urban and low-lying areas.

From Wednesday night through Thursday, western Quang Ngai, the areas from Gia Lai to Lam Dong, and southern Vietnam are forecast to receive 20-40 millimeters of rain, with some locations recording more than 80 millimeters.

Southern Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City, could see 50-60 millimeters of rain, while some locations may receive hundreds of millimeters within a few hours.

High tide levels over the coming days could slow drainage during heavy rain and prolong flooding.

The weather pattern is also favorable for the development of strong thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds.

Low-lying areas of Ho Chi Minh City, including the former Districts 7 and 8, Nha Be, central wards and Thu Duc, could face significant street flooding.

Residents are advised to plan their travel and activities accordingly, raise household belongings, particularly electrical and electronic equipment, and unplug electrical devices during heavy rain and flooding.

Drivers should move cars to higher ground when roads and alleys become flooded.

People should also avoid parking or taking shelter under tall trees during thunderstorms because of the risk of lightning strikes and falling trees or branches.

On deeply flooded roads with strong currents, people should not attempt to travel through the water.

Children should not be allowed to play or bathe in floodwater during rain.