Storm Trami Sparks Flood Risks in Central Vietnam
HANOI: Storm Trami made landfall in central Vietnam on Sunday, prompting warnings of potential floods as heavy rains spread across the region. Vietnam, with its extensive coastline, frequently experiences storms and flooding, which can lead to significant casualties and property damage.
Heavy Rainfall Raises Flooding Concerns
Rainfall is expected to intensify in areas across the provinces of Quang Binh, Quang Tri, and Quang Nam. According to the national weather forecast agency, these regions may see up to 60 centimeters (23.62 inches) of rain through Sunday and Monday.
- Urban Flood Risks: Cities from Ha Tinh to Binh Dinh face a high risk of flooding, especially in urban areas where rainwater may accumulate more quickly.
- Agricultural Areas Affected: Heavy rains are also projected to impact the Central Highlands, a crucial coffee-growing region, posing potential risks to local agriculture.
Storm Trami’s Path and Wind Speed
As of 9:00 a.m. (0200 GMT) on Sunday, Storm Trami was approximately 65 kilometers (40.39 miles) northeast of Danang, with wind speeds reaching up to 88 kilometers per hour (54.68 miles per hour).
Airport Closures and Local Damage
The storm has temporarily closed four airports in central Vietnam, as confirmed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam. Danang’s international airport, a major hub in the area, is closed from 6:00 a.m. on Sunday until 4:00 a.m. on Monday.
- Local Impact: In Danang, strong winds have knocked down trees and damaged advertising boards, as reported by state media.
Recent Storms and Past Devastation
Vietnam’s northern regions are still recovering from the severe impact of Typhoon Yagi last month. The typhoon and subsequent flooding caused over 300 fatalities and property losses exceeding $3.3 billion, highlighting the country’s ongoing struggle with storm-related disasters.
