Storm or tropical depression may trigger heavy rain, flash floods in northern Vietnam

The Vietnam Meteorological and Hydrological Administration under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment on Saturday morning issued a warning about prolonged heavy rain in northern Vietnam, as many provinces have been hit by widespread moderate to heavy rainfall over the past five days.

Rainfall totals have generally ranged from 70 to 150 mm across northern provinces, with higher amounts of 100-200 mm recorded in Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La, and Lao Cai Provinces.

Several locations recorded exceptionally high rainfall of more than 400 mm, including Hua Trai in Son La Province with 511 mm, Muong Trai in Son La with 479 mm, Mong Cai in Quang Ninh Province with 469 mm, and Quat Dong in Quang Ninh with 453 mm.

The agency said northern Vietnam will continue to experience widespread showers and thunderstorms through July 18, with some areas expected to receive more than 100 mm of rainfall.

From July 19 to 23, the region is likely to be affected by a tropical convergence zone that could trigger the formation of a tropical cyclone, either a storm or a tropical depression.

The system may bring widespread heavy rain to northern Vietnam, it said.

Noting that many mountainous areas have already endured several consecutive days of rain, leaving the ground saturated with water, the agency warned that heavy rain expected in the coming days could trigger flash floods and landslides in northern provinces, with the risk elevated to the highest alert level.

On Saturday, the northwestern region and areas from Nghe An to Quang Tri Provinces are forecast to experience rain, moderate to heavy showers, and scattered thunderstorms, with rainfall totals of 20-40 mm and some locations receiving more than 100 mm.

The northeastern region and Thanh Hoa Province are expected to see scattered showers and thunderstorms, with rainfall totals of 10-30 mm and some locations receiving more than 50 mm.

The Central Highlands and southern Vietnam are also forecast to experience showers and scattered thunderstorms, with rainfall totals of 15-30 mm and isolated areas receiving more than 50 mm.

Rain is expected to be concentrated from late afternoon through the night and into the early morning.

From Friday night into Saturday morning, Muong La Commune in Son La received more than 200 mm of rainfall, causing localized flooding and landslides.

A section of road in Sub-area 2 was submerged, disrupting traffic.

Local authorities deployed personnel to clear drainage systems, remove mud and debris, and help residents clean up.

Shortly after 10:00 am Saturday, floodwaters receded and traffic resumed.