Torrential rains trigger widespread flooding in central Vietnam

Wutip, the first storm to enter the East Vietnam Sea this year, is forecast to strengthen over the next 24 hours, according to the national weather center.

Da Nang submerged in overnight downpours

Heavy rains triggered by the storm have led to widespread flooding across Da Nang since Wednesday night.

Rainfall in the city reached up to 150mm on Thursday morning.

Several flood-prone streets around Ham Nghi Lake, the area near Da Nang General Hospital, and alleys along Trung Nu Vuong Street were inundated on Thursday.

Water levels rose high enough to spill over sidewalks, forcing pedestrians to climb onto higher ground for safety.

In some alleyways, floodwaters even entered homes.

Besides, a rise in upstream water flew into the city on Thursday morning, causing rivers to swell and increasing the risk of further flooding.

Landslides were also reported on Son Tra Peninsula, where heavy rains dislodged rocks and debris, blocking roads and disrupting traffic.

Record-breaking rainfall in Hue

Hue City recorded the highest rainfall in the country, with some areas receiving over 721mm of rain on Thursday because of the storm's circulation.

Peak measurements included 721mm at Bach Ma Peak in Phu Loc District, 655mm at Khe Mo Rang Ranger Station, and 514mm at Bach Ma National Park.

Widespread flooding disrupted traffic in several parts of the city.

Multiple hydropower plants started to release water to regulate rising river levels on Thursday morning.

Hue authorities issued emergency directives, ordering the evacuation of residents in high-risk zones including coastal areas, estuaries, aquaculture farms, and landslide-prone slopes.

Quang Nam faces same fate

In Quang Nam Province, rainfall ranged from 80 to 180mm from Wednesday night to Thursday morning.

Some areas experienced much higher totals, including Thang Binh District recording a rain volume of 229mm, Cau Lau in Duy Xuyen District seeing 264mm, Hoi An City reporting 298mm, and Cu Lao Cham (Cham Island) registering 421mm.

The provincial Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention, Search and Rescue reported flooding in many areas.

Meanwhile, over 280 fishing vessels with nearly 2,700 crew members were active offshore.

At the Dak Mi 4 hydropower plant, water levels reached some 255 meters as of 7:00 am on Thursday.

The plant began flood discharge operations at 11:30 am to reduce downstream flood risk.