Heavy rain triggers landslides, flooding in northern Vietnam

Heavy rain that lasted for several hours on June 9 flooded several localities in Quang Ninh province such as Hai Ha and Dam Ha districts and Uong Bi city. Rising river and stream levels also submerged parts of Ha Long City and Ba Che District.

Authorities in Thanh Son ward of Uong Bi city kick-started its evacuation plan moving residents in the low-lying areas to higher ground while temporarily cutting off power to ensure safety.

Hai Phong city also faced severe flooding, with many residential areas and major roads being between 30-50cm under water. The flooding threw the local transportation system into chaos. Some trains between Hanoi and Hai Phong were rescheduled.

Meanwhile, Nam Dinh province in the Red River delta also experienced similar conditions, with many cars suffering breakdowns in deep water.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, on June 9, the northern mountainous provinces were hit by a long spell of heavy rain with total rainfall of between 60mm- 109 mm.

In Ha Giang, rainfall reached nearly 120mm in Quang Ngan Commune of Vi Xuyen District.

Due to flooding, the road to the Nho Que River in Meo Vac District was blocked by landslides, leaving many people and tourists stranded.

Other routes including Thuan Hoa - Thai An road and Meo Vac - Dong Van road, were also cut off by the flooding.

Meteorologists warned that heavy rain would continue to batter the northern region and Thanh Hoa province with rainfall exceeding 30mm-70mm, and even 150mm in some areas.

Urban areas could experience severe flooding from intense, short-term rainfall. Thunderstorms may also bring tornadoes, lightning, hail, and strong winds.

Rain is forecast to let up on June 11 and the region is likely to brace for a new heat wave to start the following day.