A day before Storm Fengshen is expected to make landfall, rainfall in Da Nang briefly eased on Tuesday, prompting many residents to rush to supermarkets and stock up on supplies.
By 7 p.m. on Tuesday, a supermarket on Dien Bien Phu Street in Thanh Khe Ward was packed with shoppers (pictured).
Though Fengshen remained over 200 km away from the central coast by early Wednesday morning, the pre-storm circulation, combined with a cold air mass from the north, easterly winds, and topographical factors, is set to trigger heavy rain across the central region from noon, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF).
In an online meeting with local authorities on Monday, city leaders had activated disaster response plans, prepared for the evacuation of residents from low-lying and landslide-prone areas, and urged citizens to stock up on essential goods.
Supermarkets have reported a two- to threefold increase in shoppers compared to usual, with customers primarily buying dry goods like instant noodles, canned foods, and fruit.
The NCHMF has warned that from Wednesday noon until next Monday, areas from Ha Tinh to Quang Ngai will experience heavy rainfall. Southern Quang Tri, Hue City, and Da Nang are expected to see rainfall between 500-700 mm, with some areas possibly exceeding 900 mm. The heaviest rain is forecast from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday, and some locations could receive up to 200 mm of rain within just three hours.
Nguyen Dac Thuan, head of marketing at Co.opmart, said the store had boosted its stock by 35% three months ago in preparation for the storm season. “We’ve stocked up 18 tons of goods, primarily instant noodles, canned foods, and other essential supplies,” he said.
Carts filled with sausages, fish cakes, instant noodles, and dried corn were a common sight as shoppers brace for potential flooding.
Having experienced major floods in previous years, many Da Nang residents have become accustomed to stockpiling food and essential supplies.
Customers line up at the checkout at a supermarket in Da Nang, scrolling through their phones as they wait their turn.
Nguyen Thi Thuong, 73, from Hoa Khanh Nam Ward, drove over 10 km with her two children to a supermarket on Dien Bien Phu Street to stock up on "enough food for three days."
She expressed concern that the heavy rain could last longer than expected, and with few supermarkets or grocery stores near her home, she wanted to ensure her family of ten would have everything they need in case floods block the roads.
At another supermarket on Dong Da Street in Hai Chau Ward, dozens of people lined up to purchase essential goods, with long queues forming at the checkout counters.
Supermarket staff worked non-stop to handle the surge of customers. One employee noted that the number of shoppers had increased fivefold, with instant noodles and basic necessities flying off the shelves.
A student accompanied his parents to shop after school.
The Da Nang Department of Education and Training has granted local wards and communes the authority to decide on school closures, and by 7 p.m. on Tuesday, most areas in Da Nang had announced that classes would be suspended starting Wednesday.
Do Thi Hoa, 54, from Ngu Hanh Son Ward, drove more than 5 km to Ong Ich Khiem Street, across from Con Market, to purchase 10 life jackets.
While her area has not experienced flooding in past storms, the forecast of up to 900 mm of rainfall led her to buy life jackets for her family of four, as well as extras “for friends.”
Her family also prepared rechargeable flashlights in case of power outages.
"Tonight, I’ll also stop by the supermarket to buy some canned food," she added on Tuesday.
