Flash floods, landslides warned in central region

The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) has warned of widespread flooding and landslide in the central region, as there has been prolonged heavy rains in recent days.

Da Nang’s Son Tra peninsula has suffered landslides in 21 locations. (Photo: NDO/Thanh Tam)
Da Nang’s Son Tra peninsula has suffered landslides in 21 locations. (Photo: NDO/Thanh Tam)

>>> Heavy rain causes flooding in central localities

Due to the influence of a strengthened cold spell, provinces from Nghe An to Quang Ngai will witness rain in the next few days, with rainfall ranging from 40-70 mm, and even up to 150 mm in localities from Quang Binh to Quang Ngai.

Since December 14, widespread heavy rains are likely to expand to Khanh Hoa province. High risks of flash floods and landslides are warned in mountainous, low-lying and urban areas in provinces from Quang Binh to Phu Yen.

As of December 11, the current floods in the central region have left seven people dead and two others missing, while more than 23,000 houses have been flooded. The flooding also forced urgent relocation of 1,830 households in Quang Nam and affected nine schools. Local authorities and concerned forces are strengthening efforts to help local residents overcome consequences of the flood.

Functional forces help evacuate locals in low lying areas of Phu Ninh district, Quang Nam province, to safety. (Photo: NDO/Tan Nguyen)

Facing the complicated weather conditions in the coming days, the Standing Committee of the People's Council of Da Nang city have decided to adjust the working schedule for its December 11-13 session to focus on responding to the current flooding. To ensure the safety of local people and tourists on the Son Tra Peninsula, the Son Tra Management Board has set up signboards and fixed erosion spots, while recommending for limited access to dangerous areas.

In the North, the cold spell has caused extreme weather to many locales, with the lowest temperature ranging from 11-14C, even 9-11C in the mountainous areas. It is forecasted that the extreme cold will last for the next 2-3 days. Strong winds and rough seas are forecast for the Gulf of Tonkin and the northern part of the East Sea.

Locals in the northern mountainous areas have been advised to keep their herds warm, in addition to organising vaccination, stocking feed and consolidating cages to help cattle withstand the cold weather.