South-central, southern Vietnam forecast to face downpours of up to 400 mm

During the period, eastern Gia Lai Province; Dak Lak, Khanh Hoa and Lam Dong Provinces; and southern Vietnam are forecast to experience moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Precipitation is expected to range from 150 mm to 250 mm in most areas but it could locally exceed 400 mm.

The center warned that some areas could receive more than 100 mm of rain within three hours, potentially causing flooding in low-lying and urban areas, as well as flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas.

Before the main spell begins, moderate rain and thunderstorms are in the forecast for the southern region, Lam Dong Province, the areas from Hue to Da Nang and eastern Quang Ngai on Sunday evening and night, with rainfall of 20-40 mm and locally more than 100 mm.

Rainfall of 15-30 mm, locally exceeding 80 mm, is also expected from scattered showers and thunderstorms in the south-central coastal region, parts of the Central Highlands, and the areas from Thanh Hoa to Quang Tri Provinces in the north-central part.

In response to the forecast heavy rain, the National Civil Defense Steering Committee issued a document on Sunday urging authorities in south-central and southern localities to take measures to minimize damage.

Local authorities are required to provide residents with updated information about adverse weather and guidance on how to respond to heavy rain and related hazards, enabling them to take proactive measures to protect themselves and their property.

They must deploy response forces to inspect at-risk areas and proactively evacuate residents living along rivers and streams and in low-lying areas vulnerable to deep flooding, flash floods, and landslides.

Authorities are also asked to prevent people and vehicles from passing through unsafe areas, while preparing personnel, equipment, and vehicles to address incidents, keep major transport routes open, and tackle flooding in urban areas and industrial parks.

They are instructed to review and proactively regulate water levels at hydropower and irrigation reservoirs to prepare for incoming floods and ensure the safety of the facilities and downstream areas.

Local authorities must also maintain strict duty rosters and regularly report to the National Civil Defense Steering Committee via the Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention and Control under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.