The intensity of rainfall in Da Nang is expected to gradually increase from Thursday into Saturday, October 14, according to the Mid-Central Region Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting .

A flood warning system has been already installed on the shore of the Thac Gian Lake. Photo: HOANG HIEP

In its latest weather bulletin on Thursday morning, the regional weather service stated that moderate to heavy rain at most places with very heavy falls and thunderstorm chance at isolated places are likely over Da Nang during the said period. Heavy rainfall of 100mm - 250mm is predicted in common across the city with more than 300 mm of rain expected to dump at isolated places.

Thunderstorms can produce tornadoes, lightning, hail and strong winds in the city, regional forecasters have warned.

As per the regional weather service, the wet, unsettled pattern will stay in place in the city for the next 2-3 days, and the weather will turn more unsettled in the coming days.

The intensity of rainfall will increase the risk of flash floods, landslides in mountainous areas, and flooding in low-lying areas and urban areas, regional forecasters have warned.

The regional weather service issues flood warnings for the Vu Gia River and other rivers in Da Nang from Thursday until next Monday, October 16 as these rivers could face flood risk with floodwater expected to peak from 3 - 5m at their upstream areas and 0.5-1m at their downstream areas. The water level in Da Nang’s rivers is likely to reach its peak to reach alarm below level 1 to  level 10.

River floods triggered by heavy rainfall can damage cross-river structures, and aquaculture ponds, as well as have a negative effect on the environment and local socio-economic activities, and threaten the livelihoods of people living in vulnerable areas.

The regional weather service is warning residents of heavy rain in Da Nang from Wednesday into Saturday. Coastal areas of the city are being warned to brace for heavy rain, with rainfalls of 150-300mm, whilst other places in the city will see average rainfalls of 150-250mm, and even more than 300mm of rain possible in some places.

Flash flooding was seen in a section of Nguyen Van Linh Street after torrential rain battered the city on Monday, October 9. Photo: HOANG HIEP

Forecasters have issued warnings of flash floods and landslides for mountainous areas, and localized flooding alerts are in place in low-lying and riverside areas. The advisory urges Da Nang’s residents to ‘be aware’ of inclement weather. Local residents are advised to get ready for such weather conditions in an attempt to reduce the risk of possible damages.

The Da Nang Steering Committee for Disaster Response and Search and Rescue is urging authorities at local level and relevant units to take appropriate precautionary measures to cope with floods, flash floods, landslides brought by heavy downpours, as well as minimize losses owing to heavy rain. The focus should be attached to ensuring the safety of the reservoirs, releasing the surplus water and protecting the dams, desilting canals, and facilitating the recharge of ground water besides avert damage due to floods.

Heed must be paid to deploying personnel to deeply flooded streets to set up vehicle barriers to stop driving through deep water in order to ensure the safety of road users. Importance is attached to resolutely banning people from travelling or fishing on rivers, low-lying areas, flooded areas, underground passages, flooded bridges, forests, mountains and landslide prone areas.

In addition, all necessary measures are needed to move people living in low-lying areas, along rivers and streams and areas at high risk of flash floods and landslides to safe places. Special attention must be given to making the resources available in order to drain rainwater from agricultural fields, low-lying areas, urban areas, most densely populated areas, industrial zones and other areas most at-risk of flooding in an effort to reduce costly damage to crops and property.
 

Reporting by HOANG HIEP – Translating by H.L