Northern Vietnam Faces Flood and Landslide Risk After Heavy Rains

Northern Vietnam is facing a heightened risk of flash floods and landslides following a day and night of heavy rainfall, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting. The center issued a warning for numerous communes across five northern mountainous provinces.

From early morning on July 19 to early morning on July 20, areas in Lai Châu, Lào Cai, Tuyên Quang, and Cao Bằng experienced significant rainfall. Lai Châu recorded 65.2 mm in Pu Sam Cáp, Lào Cai saw 95.8 mm in Xuân Thượng, Tuyên Quang had 125.2 mm in Thượng Sơn, and Cao Bằng registered 92 mm in Vĩnh Quang. Sơn La also experienced heavy to very heavy rain in the early hours of July 20, with Ngọc Chiến receiving 48.8 mm between midnight and 3 a.m.

Soil moisture models indicate that some areas in these provinces are already saturated, with moisture levels exceeding 85% or reaching full saturation. The forecast for July 20 predicts continued rain in these regions, with accumulated rainfall ranging from 10 to 30 mm, and over 60 mm in some locations.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting warned that many communes in Lai Châu, Sơn La, Lào Cai, Tuyên Quang, and Cao Bằng are at risk of flash floods on small rivers and streams, as well as landslides on steep slopes. Specific communes in each province have been identified as particularly vulnerable. For instance, in Lai Châu, communes like Bum Nưa, Hua Bum, and Mù Cả are at risk, while in Sơn La, Chiềng Hoa and Chiềng Lao are among those listed. The forecast suggests that heavy rainfall will gradually decrease from July 21 onwards.