17 dead, many missing in Khanh Hoa by heavy downpours, landslides

On the evening of November 18, rescue forces continued to search for victims who have been reported missing, while all students in the city were asked not to attend school as heavy rain caused water levels in the Cai River to rise.

On the morning of November 18, heavy downpours inundated many local roads and residential areas in Nha Trang city, causing a series of landslides across wards and communes in Phuoc Dong, Vinh Tho, Vinh Nguyen, Vinh Hoa, Vinh Nguyen, and Vinh Hoa.

Xom Nui in Thanh Phat hamlet, Phuoc Dong commune was the hardest hit by the extreme weather. Thousands of people that live in mountainous areas in Phuoc Dong Commune that are considered high risk were moved to safer ground after four people, including a 14-year-old child, were buried by a landslide.

Chairman of Nha Trang city People’s Committee Le Huu Tho said the committee has held an urgent meeting to mobilize all forces including police, soldiers and border guards to provide support to local residents.

He noted that the tropical depression, remnants of the weakened typhoon Toraji, had produced a total rainfall of 380mm in less than 12 hours.

Dao Cong Thien, Khanh Hoa People’s Committee Vice Chairman, also requested the evacuation of residents from dangerous areas to safer areas..