Vietnam: Storms halt search for two missing off Da Nang coast

Search operations for two missing individuals in the waters off Da Nang, Vietnam, have been temporarily suspended due to severe weather conditions. The region is experiencing thunderstorms, strong winds, and rough seas, with wave heights expected to reach up to 4 meters.

The Central Meteorological and Hydrological Station of Central Vietnam issued a forecast predicting strong winds and high waves in the waters of Da Nang and the Paracel Islands. While the sea off Da Nang is expected to have scattered showers and thunderstorms, the Paracel Islands area will see more frequent rain and storms. The current wave height is around 0.25 meters, but conditions are predicted to worsen significantly on August 20.

Authorities have warned of potential hazards such as squalls, lightning, and strong gusts of wind during thunderstorms. The adverse weather conditions are directly impacting the search for the two missing persons in the Mui Nghe area of Son Tra peninsula. The border guard station in Son Tra has issued warnings and advised rescue forces to halt sea operations for safety.

Volunteer teams have also paused their efforts, suspending the use of boats for the search. Experienced divers have noted that the underwater terrain, including reefs and deep crevices around the area where the individuals went missing, requires thorough inspection as bodies could be trapped. Rescue teams are closely monitoring the weather's progression.