Brian Jeffrey
On September 18, Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep led a meeting with various ministries and agencies and an online discussion with 11 coastal provinces, concerning an approaching tropical depression that may turn into a storm.
Dr. Mai Van Khiem, head of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, noted that as of 1 PM on September 18, the tropical depression was situated about 530 kilometers east of Da Nang, advancing slowly at a rate of 15 km/h.
According to Dr. Khiem, all weather forecasts indicate that the tropical depression is likely to develop into a storm.
It’s anticipated that by 10 AM on September 19, the tropical depression will upgrade into a storm with wind speeds of level 8, and gusts reaching level 10. The storm is expected to be positioned about 110 kilometers east-southeast of Quang Tri and Quang Nam before hitting land later that day and weakening upon entering inland regions.
At the time of landfall, which is expected between 5 PM on September 19 and 7 AM on September 20, high tide levels are projected to reach 0.7-1.8 meters at Cua Gianh (Quang Binh), 0.7-1.4 meters at Cua Viet (Quang Tri), and 0.7-1.3 meters in Da Nang.
From September 17 to midday on September 18, substantial rainfall of 50-150mm was recorded in central regions and the Central Highlands, with heavier totals in certain places, such as 237mm at Bach Ma and 279mm at Suoi Da in Da Nang.
Further precipitation is expected from the evening of September 18 through September 19 between Ha Tinh and Quang Ngai, with potential totals of 100-300mm and localized areas receiving over 500mm. Meanwhile, Thanh Hoa and Nghe An may see 70-150mm of rain, with isolated locations reaching beyond 250mm, and the Central Highlands forecasted for 40-80mm with some parts exceeding 150mm.
Flooding is anticipated from September 18 to 21 across rivers from Thanh Hoa to Quang Nam, with water levels expected to rise 3-7 meters. Major rivers like the Ma and Buoi in Thanh Hoa and the Ca in Nghe An could reach first to second flood alert levels, while smaller rivers in Quang Binh and Quang Tri may trigger third flood alerts.
Low-lying regions along rivers, especially from Thanh Hoa to Quang Nam, are at significant risk for flooding, and mountainous areas face landslide hazards.
As of 11 AM on September 18, the Border Guard Command reported that nearly 67,000 boats and over 306,000 individuals had been briefed on the tropical depression’s current status and predicted track, enabling them to take necessary precautions. Of those, 75 boats with around 618 crew members were operating near the Hoang Sa Archipelago.
The Fisheries Department indicated that by 1 PM on September 18, there were risks to 80,024 hectares of coastal and offshore aquaculture areas, with 22,152 cages and 684 lookout towers also at risk.
Colonel Pham Hai Chau from the Rescue Department emphasized readiness, noting that over 268,000 personnel—including 56,000 military members and 211,000 militia—are prepared to aid in response efforts, alongside more than 4,000 vehicles and 10 helicopters to ensure the safety of residents and provide emergency assistance.
He stressed the importance of revisiting landslide-prone areas, recalling past instances where storm damage was minimal, but subsequent heavy rains led to significant landslides.
“A prompt and efficient warning system is essential for households in vulnerable locations to ensure timely evacuations when necessary,” Colonel Chau highlighted.
