Heavy rain puts Central Vietnam at risk of flashfloods, landslides
VOV.VN - Heavy rain triggered by a cold spell and strong upper-level winds over the past few days has increased the risk of flashfloods and landslides in seven cities and provinces in Central Vietnam, according to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.
The national weather agency reported that large parts of cities and provinces in the region such as Hue, Da Nang, Quang Ngai, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Khanh Hoa and Lam Dong have seen three consecutive days of heavy rain, saturating local soil and raising the threat of severe flooding.
Over the past 24 hours, rainfall exceeded 100 mm in some areas, including 188 mm in Tra Leng (Da Nang), 186.6 mm in Son Long (Quang Ngai) and 166.6 mm in Phan Dung (Lam Dong).
The weather bureau forecast more rain on December 5, with Hue, Da Nang, Dak Lak, Khanh Hoa and Lam Dong expected to receive 5–15 mm, while Quang Ngai and Gia Lai could see more than 30 mm in places.
Authorities said the saturated ground has heightened the risk of flashfloods and landslides, particularly in mountainous districts.
Lam Dong province reported two deaths and extensive damage on December 4. Local officials said about 3,296 homes were flooded, more than 3,357 hectares of crops were damaged, over 4,000 livestock were killed or swept away and at least 24 fishing vessels sank. Sixteen landslides and damage to roads and four small bridges disrupted traffic and forced the evacuation of 860 households.
In Khanh Hoa and Lam Dong, several low-lying urban areas were inundated after overnight downpours. The main river in Nha Trang reached flood peak on December 4 before starting to recede, though authorities warned that water levels could rise again as reservoirs continue discharging through December 10.
Nearly 30 schools in Khanh Hoa suspended classes due to flooding, the provincial education department said, adding that schools should only reopen when conditions are safe.
Separately, authorities in Lam Dong ordered emergency evacuations after water was released from two upstream reservoirs - Song Quao and Long Song - as inflows exceeded design capacity. Discharge levels reached 500 m³/s and 1,200 m³/s respectively, causing rapid flooding downstream.
Meanwhile, a tropical depression east of the Philippines is moving into the East Sea and could strengthen into Vietnam’s 16th storm of the year, forecasters said, warning of potentially heavier rain in the coming days.
Strengthening cold air brings scattered light rain to northern Vietnam
VOV.VN - National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that on December 4, a surge of cold air affected the Northeastern region and parts of the North Central region, bringing rain and scattered light showers. Temperatures dropped by about 1-3 degrees Celsius, while the Bach Long Vi station recorded strong northeast winds at force 6 (39-49 km/h).
