Severe Flooding Ravages Central Vietnam: Devastating Toll on Lives and Property
Central Vietnam is grappling with the aftermath of four days of relentless downpours, unleashing floods that have wreaked havoc on several localities in the region. The National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control reported that torrential rains led to flooding in Quang Tri and Thua Thien Hue, claiming two lives and leaving three individuals missing.
As of Thursday noon, the deluge submerged 17,877 houses in Quang Tri, Thua Thien Hue, Da Nang, and Quang Ngai provinces, with water levels reaching 0.3 to 0.6 meters in some areas. The impact extended to infrastructure, with 34 houses in Ha Tinh, Thua Thien - Hue, Quang Nam, and Quang Ngai provinces losing their roofs.
Further losses include the destruction of 122 hectares of fruit and vegetable growing areas in Quang Tri and Da Nang, along with damage to 50,000 forestry seedlings, 5,000 chrysanthemum seedlings, 1,100 farm animals, and 2 hectares of aquaculture area in Quang Tri Province.
Central localities, particularly Thua Thien - Hue, witnessed heavy rains causing rivers like Huong and Bo to surge alarmingly, leading to flash floods in various areas. Hue City and surrounding regions experienced significant inundation, with streets turning into rivers, and water levels ranging from 0.3 to 1.5 meters in submerged areas.
The North-South railway, including sections like Hien Sy - Van Xa, Van Xa - Hue, Truoi - Huong Thuy, faced disruptions due to flooding, affecting transportation. Flash floods isolated six villages in Truong Son Commune, Quang Ninh District, Quang Binh Province.
In Quang Tri Province, over 1,300 houses in Hai Lang and Cam Lo districts and Dong Ha City were submerged, with ongoing flooding in districts of Dak Rong, Trieu Phong, and Hai Lang.
Ninh Thuan Province, particularly Phan Rang - Thap Cham city, experienced prolonged, heavy rains, leading to severe flooding. The damage prompted the National Steering Committee on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control to urge affected localities to implement effective measures for recovery and reduction of flood impacts.
The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting issued warnings of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in parts of central Vietnam until Friday. The forecast anticipates the gradual decline of rainfall after Friday, November 17. Authorities are on alert for potential flooding, and warnings of flash floods and landslides are in place, emphasizing the need for proactive measures and preparedness in the face of evolving weather conditions.