Northern Vietnam Faces High Risk of Floods, Landslides Amid Heavy Rainfall Forecast

Northern Vietnam is bracing for a significant period of heavy rainfall, with the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting issuing warnings for flash floods and landslides in seven provinces. The downpours are expected to persist from June 16 to June 18, with some regions anticipating rainfall totals exceeding 300 mm.

The affected provinces, including Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Bac Ninh, Cao Bang, Tuyen Quang, Thai Nguyen, and others in the northern midlands and mountainous regions, are particularly vulnerable. The forecast indicates widespread heavy rain, with accumulations ranging from 100-200 mm, and in some locations, over 300 mm. Provinces like Lao Cai, Phu Tho, Son La, Dien Bien, and Lai Chau are also expected to receive substantial rainfall, between 70-150 mm, with some areas potentially seeing over 250 mm.

Specific areas in Tuyen Quang, Thai Nguyen, Lao Cai, Cao Bang, and Phu Tho have already recorded significant rainfall in the past 24 hours, with some stations measuring over 100 mm. The forecast for June 16-17 predicts moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms across the northern midlands and mountainous regions, with localized downpours potentially exceeding 100 mm within a 3-hour period. These conditions create a high risk of flash floods and landslides.

While the northern regions face the brunt of the severe weather, other parts of Vietnam will also experience rain. The northern plains and the southern region are expected to have scattered showers and thunderstorms, with potential for isolated heavy rain. In the south, rain is likely to occur in the afternoon and evening, accompanied by risks of lightning, whirlwinds, and hail. The forecast for June 18 indicates continued moderate to heavy rain in the northern mountainous areas.