Northern Vietnam braces for up to 600 mm of rain as storm lingers over Gulf of Tonkin
A slow-moving storm that formed from a tropical depression is meandering off the coasts of Quang Ninh and Hai Phong, raising the risk of prolonged heavy rain across northern Vietnam over the next several days.
Northern Vietnam anticipates up to 600 mm of rain as a storm persists over the Gulf of Tonkin. The storm's center was located 130 km northeast of the Bach Long Vi Special Zone at 9 a.m. Saturday, with maximum sustained winds of 74 kph and gusts of 89-102 kph. Moving north at 5 kph, it is expected to remain stationary or drift westward.
By Aug. 23, the storm will maintain its strength over the northern Gulf of Tonkin, before turning south and moving southeast. International forecasts align, with the Hong Kong Observatory predicting strengthening winds of 85 kph and the Japanese weather agency forecasting winds of 65 kph. Vietnam's meteorological agency warns that widespread and prolonged rainfall is likely from Aug.
22 to Aug. 24, with northeastern Vietnam, southern Phu Tho and Thanh Hoa receiving 100-200 mm of rain, and Quang Ninh and Hai Phong experiencing the heaviest rainfall of 250-600 mm. Lang Son and Bac Ninh could see 200-300 mm, while isolated areas may receive over 500 mm. Forecasters caution that heavy rain could persist beyond Aug.
24, increasing the risk of flooding in urban areas, industrial zones, and low-lying communities. Mountainous regions face heightened danger from flash floods and landslides, while rivers and streams may rise rapidly. The storm's circulation may also trigger thunderstorms, tornadoes, and powerful wind gusts. Coastal areas are advised to secure vessels, inspect vulnerable areas, and evacuate residents at high risk of severe flooding or landslides.
Traffic restrictions will be enforced at flooded crossings and on damaged roads. Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has ordered ministries and local governments to closely monitor the storm and take disaster-prevention measures, with the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security preparing forces to support local authorities, and the Ministry of Construction coordinating repairs to roads damaged by landslides.
Written by urgent.news from VnExpress International's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
