Central region localities are likely to be at a high risk of flash floods and inundation due to heavy rain under the ongoing impact of powerful storm, this year’s sixth yet strongest typhoon, the Mid-Central Region Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting has warned.

The predicted track of storm Nakri (Image: The Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control)

As of 4:00 am on Saturday, the center of Nakri was around 160 kilometers (180 miles) northeast of the Southwest Cay islet in Viet Nam's Spratly Islands, with a maximum wind speed of 115 kph.

On Monday early morning, the storm is forecast to make landfall on the mainland from Quang Ngai to Khanh Hoa provinces, with wind speeds reaching levels 9 – 10 on the Beaufort scale near its centre, and a gust of level 12.

It will then weaken into a tropical depression over the Central Highlands, with winds of 50 - 60 kph.

Between 9 and 12 November, under the influence of ongoing intensifying cold front and inter-tropical convergence zone connected to the raging storm and its circulation, the mid-central region, especially localities from Thua Thien-Hue to Quang Ngai provinces, are likely to brace for widespread heavy downpours, with the largest rainfall recorded on today and tomorrow.

In detail, rainfall accumulation is likely to be 100 – 200mm in Thua Thien-Hue Province and Da Nang, whilst 100 – 250mm of rain is predicted to be recorded in Quang Nam Province, and 150 – 300mm of rainwater will batter Quang Ngai Province, even over 400 mm in some of its parts.

Of special note, between 10 and 12 November, the water of rivers in the provinces of Quang Binh and Quang Tri is predicted to reach alarm level 1, whilst that of rivers in localities from Thua Thien –Hue to Quang Nam is likely to hit alarm levels 1– 2, and levels 2 -3 in Quang Ngai Province. 

Besides, localities from Quang Binh to Quang Ngai is highly predicted to see a high risk of flash floods in their mountainous areas, landslides occurring on steep slopes and river banks, and flooding in low-lying and urban areas.

In particular, cloudy weather and showers, companied by thunderstorms, are possible in Da Nang in the coming days. The temperatures are expected to hover at between 22 to 28 degrees Celsius, and the average humidity of 85%.

Viet Nam is hit by up to 10 tropical storms during the southwest monsoon season, usually between July and October. There were 9 last year.