Storm Narra leaves one dead, triggers widespread flooding, landslides across northern Vietnam

On August 24, Storm Narra claimed the life of a 19-year-old man named D.P.H. from Thai Binh Commune in Lang Son Province, Vietnam. The disaster authority attributed his death to a landslide that struck his home. The storm brought heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds to northern Vietnam, damaging roofs and causing widespread flooding in Lang Son, Bac Ninh, and Quang Ninh.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that the storm was over waters northeast of Bach Long Vi special zone, approximately 140 km east-southeast of Quang Ninh and 145 km east of Hai Phong. At the time, it was generating winds of 88 kph, with gusts reaching up to 103-117 kph. The storm remained stationary for three to six hours before drifting slowly southeast at around 3 kph.

Forecasters anticipate that by 4 a.m. on August 26, the storm will maintain its intensity over northeastern waters of the Gulf of Tonkin, located about 240 km northeast of Bach Long Vi, and is likely to move northeast at a speed of 5 kph. It is then forecast to turn northwest and head towards southern Guangxi, China, before weakening into a tropical depression.

Despite not making landfall, Storm Narra brought heavy rains to northeastern Vietnam and Thanh Hoa from August 21 to August 24, with rainfall ranging from 100-200 mm. In the affected provinces, rainfall levels reached between 180-380 mm, with some areas experiencing more than 400 mm. Notably, Hong Ha in Quang Ninh recorded 547 mm, Mau Son in Lang Son received 520 mm, and Cat Ba in Hai Phong encountered 413 mm.

Reservoirs in the northern region remained intact as of August 23, with no incidents reported. Authorities have emphasized the necessity of monitoring the typhoon, managing vessels at sea, and ensuring safe anchorage to prevent accidents and facilitate search and rescue efforts if needed.