Northern Vietnam expects significant rainfall and associated risks over the next few days. From the night of 23/7 to 25/7, northern Vietnam is forecast to receive 70-150 mm of rain, with some areas exceeding 250 mm. This heavy rainfall puts five mountainous provinces at continued risk of landslides and flash floods. Certain locations might experience rainfall intensity over 100 mm within three hours. The provinces of Thai Nguyen, Tuyen Quang, Lao Cai, Lai Chau, Dien Bien, and Son La are expected to be at the center of this rainfall.

The meteorological agency issued warnings about the potential impacts of this heavy rain. Heavy rain could trigger flash floods in small rivers and streams, landslides on slopes, and inundation in low-lying areas. Thunderstorms also risk felling trees and damaging homes, transportation infrastructure, and other facilities.

This forecast follows a period of severe weather that already caused significant damage and casualties. This new period of rain follows several days of continuous heavy rainfall in northern Vietnam, especially in the northern mountainous region. Specifically on 16-17/7, Lai Chau recorded common daily rainfall of 120-150 mm. Muong Than commune experienced debris flows, flash floods, and landslides, sweeping away many homes, killing 7 people, leaving one missing, and injuring 8.

Flooding over a national highway in Muong Than valley, Lai Chau, on 20/7. *Photo: The Bang*

Residents in affected areas must take precautions due to the heightened risk. With soil and rocks in many mountainous areas already saturated after successive rainfalls, residents need to guard against the risk of landslides and flash floods. This is especially crucial in areas along rivers and streams, at the base of embankments, on slopes, and in locations where landslides have previously occurred.

Initial thunderstorms already affected the region on 22/7. The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that thunderstorms occurred in the northern mountainous and midland areas from the evening of 22/7, with common rainfall of 10-30 mm and localized amounts exceeding 80 mm. These thunderstorms could bring whirlwinds, lightning, and strong wind gusts.

Gia Chinh