Typhoon Narra barely moves as rain and flood risks persist in northern Vietnam

Narra has been nearly stationary for several hours, allowing its circulation to continue affecting northern and north-central localities with rain.

At 10 a.m. on August 24, the storm’s centre was about 125 km southeast of Quang Ninh and 120 km east of Hai Phong, north of Bach Long Vi, according to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 75-88 kmh, with gusts of up to around 100 kmh, and was forecast to be slow-moving over the coming hours.

The unusually slow movement means the storm’s circulation could affect the same areas for longer, adding pressure to localities that have already experienced several days of heavy rain.

Narra is expected to move northwest at around 5-10 kmh in the coming days before gradually weakening into a low-pressure area over southern Guangxi, China.

Heavy rain and high river levels

While the storm is slow-moving, rain and flooding are creating a separate and increasingly serious threat on land.

The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting warned northeastern localities, as well as Phu Tho, Thanh Hoa and Nghe An provinces would continue to receive rain on August 24, with rainfall of 40-100 mm and isolated totals above 200 mm in Hung Yen, Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa and Nghe An.

From the night of August 24 through the morning of August 25, coastal and lowland areas of northern Vietnam, along with Thanh Hoa and Nghe An, could receive another 20-50 mm, with isolated totals above 100 mm. Rain is expected to ease gradually from the afternoon of August 25.

With the ground already saturated, continued rainfall could increase the risk of urban flooding, rising river and stream levels, flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas.

The weather agency has issued warnings for flash floods, landslides and ground subsidence across northern localities, as well as Thanh Hoa and Nghe An provinces in the central region. Emergency flood warnings remain in effect for the lower reaches of the Luc Nam and Thuong rivers and an alert has been issued for the Cau River.

Localities on high alert

Quang Ninh and Hai Phong are among the localities most directly exposed to the storm and its circulation.

Meanwhile, Lang Son, Cao Bang, Thai Nguyen and Bac Ninh continue to face risks of flooding, landslides and transport disruptions after days of heavy rain. The Ministry of Construction has instructed local authorities to urgently review areas vulnerable to landslides, subsidence, deep flooding and flash floods, inspect bridges, culverts and other critical infrastructure, and maintain round-the-clock monitoring in dangerous areas.

In places affected by flooding or landslide risks, authorities have been instructed to increase warning signs and barriers, station personnel at dangerous locations and prevent people and vehicles from entering unsafe areas.

Roads affected by landslides, flooding or isolation are also being prioritised for restoration to maintain essential connectivity.

Hanoi is outside the area of strongest direct winds but is affected by the storm’s circulation. Rain has already ceased, but a warning for thunderstorms, lightning and hail has been issued by the local weather agency.

Schools in Hanoi and Hai Phong have also adjusted plans for students’ return to school and other activities as authorities continue to prioritise safety amid unstable weather.

On August 23, the Hanoi Department of Education and Training instructed schools across the capital to closely monitor conditions and proactively adjust activities for students.

Several schools in Hanoi have changed their schedules for August 24, with some switching to online learning, delaying the start of activities or allowing parents to decide whether to send their children to school. Educational institutions have also made arrangements to accommodate students who still arrive, depending on local conditions.

Meanwhile, many schools in Hai Phong have postponed their back-to-school schedules on August 24 to ensure the safety of students and teachers.

Education officials have asked schools to continue monitoring weather developments, prepare appropriate response plans and promptly inform parents of any changes to back-to-school schedules, ensuring students return only when conditions are safe.

PM orders evacuation from high risk areas as typhoon Narra forms

VOV.VN - With typhoon Narra forming over the Gulf of Tonkin and days of heavy rain and flooding in the northern and north-central regions, the Prime Minister has ordered local authorities to review high-risk areas and proactively evacuate residents, particularly those facing deep flooding, flash floods and landslides.