Weakened storm brings downpours to central VN, one missing

After landing in mid-central Vietnam early this morning, forcing the evacuation of thousands of people, the unnamed storm has weakened into a tropical depression, while continuing to bring torrential rain to the region. One man was reported missing in Quang Nam Province. 

At 4 am this morning, after impacting Thua Thien-Hue, Da Nang and Quang Nam Provinces, the depression was centered at 15.7 degrees latitude north, 107.5 degrees longitude east, with winds of less than 39 kph, the National Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting Center reported.

The depression, which is moving west-southwest at 15 km, will continue to weaken and eventually dissipate.

Over the past three days, the storm has brought torrential rains to mid-central provinces and the Central Highlands, with rainfall totals reaching 150-350 mm. But several areas have received even more rain, including 450 mm in Ky Lac (Ha Tinh Province), 441 mm in Nam Dong (Thua Thien-Hue), 392 mm in Ly Son (Quang Ngai), and 367 mm in EaHleo (Dak Lak).

Although the storm will dissipate soon, heavy rains will last until tomorrow, September 20, the center warned.
 

Residents in Hai Duong Commune, Thua Thien-Hue Province were evacuated to safe places before the storm landed there this morning, September 19

Evacuations, one missing

Yesterday evening, as heavy rain and strong winds moved in, authorities in Huong Tra town, Thua Thien-Hue Province evacuated 52 families in an area prone to landslides in Hai Duong commune.

In Huong Phong commune, 17 households were moved out of dangerous areas and 14 other families were evacuated from the foot of the Phu Gia Pass in Loc Tien commune, Phu Loc District for safety reasons.
In Quang Tri Province, about 1,300 residents in some flooded communes in Huong Hoa District were taken to safe locations.

Torrential rains and whirlwinds submerged many areas in the province’s Dong Ha town, and blew roofs off many houses in two communes.

A 30-m section of a wall of the ancient Quang Tri Citadel collapsed after heavy rain yesterday morning.
In Quang Nam, the water level of the reservoir at the A Vuong Hydropower Plant continued to rise yesterday, with floodwater flowing into it at rate of up to 1,000 cubic meters per second.

Local authorities have warned that if the heavy rains continue, the plant will discharge water, and therefore plans to evacuate residents, if necessary, must be devised.

Yesterday afternoon the authorities of Ta Bhing Commune, Nam Giang District, confirmed that a man had been swept away by floodwaters while he was crossing the rising Thanh River. Rescuers are searching for the victim.

In Da Nang, downpours flooded numerous streets in the city, blocking traffic. Authorities have declared that schools will be closed today, Thursday, for safety reasons.

Meanwhile, another cyclone called Usagi, which has formed east of the Philippines, is moving towards the northern area of the East Sea, the center reported, adding that the storm will likely strengthen during its course.
According to a Japanese forecasting agency, the storm may enter the East Sea on Saturday, September 21, the center said.