Vietnam's Khanh Hoa, home to Nha Trang, plans evacuation scenarios for flood season

At a press briefing on Wednesday, Nguyen Minh Thu, deputy head of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, said authorities have shifted to proactive disaster risk management after devastating floods in 2025.

The new approach emphasizes early forecasting, preventive measures, and evacuations before dangerous weather strikes.

The plans outline different scenarios based on flood levels.

If floodwaters rise above alarm level 3, about 73,600 people would be evacuated, either to relatives’ homes in safe areas or to designated shelters.

If floodwaters exceed alarm level 3 by one meter, more than 94,000 people would be relocated.

In a worst-case historic flood scenario, nearly 120,000 residents would be evacuated.

For storms rated at level 10-11 (89-117 kph), authorities plan to move more than 108,500 people, while storms at level 12-13 (118-149 kph) could require evacuating nearly 146,000.

Thu asserted that shelters must be accessible, safe from flooding or landslides, and equipped with drinking water, food, sanitation, and medical care.

Khanh Hoa has 67 reservoirs, including 56 irrigation and 11 hydropower dams.

The provincial administration has ordered inspections of major facilities such as Song Cai, Ta Ruc, Hoa Son, Da Ban, Suoi Dau, and Song Trau, with emergency response plans in place for downstream communities.

Military forces will deploy more than 10,000 personnel, supported by 54 vehicles, 12 specialized trucks, nine rescue boats, 41 motorboats and boats.

Police will mobilize 9,000 officers with 83 vehicles, 45 specialized units, 20 motorboats, and four ambulances.

Local authorities are also reviewing available motorboats and boats for immediate use, Thu said.

The coastal province endured four major flood events in November 2025, including one from November 16-22 that caused widespread inundation, killing 22 people, injuring 20, and destroying or damaging more than 1,000 homes.