Central Vietnam, still reeling from historic flooding, faces new deluge

Heavy rains are forecast due to the influence of a cold air mass combined with disturbances in the easterly wind belt. Total rainfall in some areas could exceed 700 mm, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

Areas from southern Quang Tri Province to Khanh Hoa, home to beach town Nha Trang, are expected to see widespread rainfall of 150–300 mm, with some locations exceeding 400 mm, the center said.

The heaviest totals, ranging from 250–500 mm and potentially surpassing 700 mm, are forecast for Hue, Da Nang, eastern Quang Ngai, and Gia Lai.

This intense rainfall, potentially exceeding 200 mm within three hours, poses a significant risk of urban flooding, inundation of low-lying areas, landslides, and flash floods in mountainous regions.

Rains in Da Nang and eastern areas from Quang Ngai to Khanh Hoa are expected to continue, albeit without specific forecasts yet, after Nov. 19.

The upcoming forecast heightens concerns for a region that has experienced repeated, devastating downpours since October. From Oct. 23 to Nov. 3 alone, total rainfall reached 500–800 mm, with some areas exceeding 1,000 mm. In Hue and Da Nang, rainfall surpassed 1,500 mm, including a high of 2,452 mm in Nam Dong (Hue) and 2,061 mm in Tra My (Da Nang).

These extreme downpours caused river water levels in Hue, Da Nang, and Quang Ngai to repeatedly surpass historic flood records.

The disaster resulted in 32 deaths, four missing people, and 43 injuries. Over 130,000 houses were flooded, with 91 submerged and 181 damaged. Additionally, hundreds of landslides occurred along major roads, causing widespread traffic disruptions and isolating many communities.