Vietnam's Khanh Hoa warns of new flood risk, orders evacuations from high-risk areas

According to the provincial hydro-meteorological station, moderate to heavy rainfall is expected from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday, with widespread totals of 50 to 120 millimeters and isolated areas above 180 millimeters.

Forecasters said water levels on rivers across the coastal province may reach flood alarm levels 1 to 2, with some rivers possibly rising above level 2.

The provincial People's Committee asked commune, ward and special zone authorities to deploy rapid response teams to inspect residential clusters along rivers, streams, low-lying neighborhoods and other vulnerable locations.

Local leaders must organize proactive evacuations to safe shelters and enforce mandatory relocation if needed to protect lives.

Emergency teams and equipment are required at vulnerable spots to assist residents during evacuations or rescue efforts.

Local authorities must urge households in chronically flood-prone zones to elevate belongings and furniture to prevent losses during sudden inundation.

The provincial Military Command and the Department of Public Security were told to prepare rescue forces, vehicles and protective gear to ensure rapid deployment in emergencies while keeping rescuers safe.

The Department of Agriculture and Environment was assigned to inspect reservoir operations and guide managers, including private operators, on adjusting water levels based on rainfall forecasts. Reservoirs must lower storage levels to create buffer capacity and report any unusual incidents immediately.

The Department of Industry and Trade was instructed to protect industrial operations, safeguard hydropower reservoirs and prevent damage during the expected rains. Power suppliers must maintain stable electricity service and avoid prolonged outages similar to those during the historic November floods.

The Department of Science and Technology will work with telecommunications providers to reinforce infrastructure, establish redundancy plans and prevent communication failures.

Officials stressed that the breakdown in communication experienced during last month's disaster cannot be repeated.

The Department of Education and Training will monitor weather conditions and suspend classes as necessary to ensure the safety of teachers and students.

Khanh Hoa, home to the popular beach destination Nha Trang, and several south-central and Central Highlands provinces including Lam Dong, Dak Lak, and Gia Lai endured historic flooding last month that caused severe destruction.

As of 9:00 am on November 25, the disaster had killed 22 residents, injured 20 others, destroyed 105 homes and damaged 909 units in Khanh Hoa, with total losses estimated at VND4.141 trillion (US$158 million).