Report Storm Wutip Brings Destructive Flooding and Landslides to Central Vietnam

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Picture courtesy of VN Express

 

Central Vietnam is reeling from severe flooding and landslides brought on by heavy rains triggered by Storm Wutip, the first storm to enter Vietnamese waters this year. The storm, still situated over 300 kilometres away from the mainland near the Hoang Sa (Paracel) Islands, has caused significant damage across various regions, including Quang Tri, Hue, Da Nang, and Quang Nam.

 

Meteorological data indicates a deluge of rainfall, with Quang Binh, Quang Ngai, and Kon Tum provinces receiving an overwhelming 200 to 300 mm between Tuesday night and Wednesday afternoon. In some areas, the rainfall reached a staggering 350 to 550 mm, exacerbating the risk of landslides and floods.

 

In Quang Tri Province, the combination of relentless rainfall and the region's steep terrain caused flooding along low-level bridges and spillways in Dakrong District. The Se Pon River's rising waters have submerged two flood-prone areas, prompting border guards and local authorities to erect checkpoints and restrict vehicle and pedestrian movement on National Highway 15D.

 

Meanwhile, in Hue Province, a landslide in Phu Loc District damaged a 20-meter section of road leading to the La Son–Tuy Loan Expressway, necessitating closures and placing barriers to protect motorists. The deluge also unleashed massive boulders onto Hoang Sa Road in Da Nang's Son Tra Peninsula, leading to extensive debris clearance efforts to secure passage to nearby resorts.

 

Quang Nam has faced its own flood-related challenges, with flash floods washing out roads in Axan Commune, Tay Giang District, where local authorities have used rope barriers to limit access. In Dai Loc District, the Vu Gia River's overflow, compounded by discharge from the Song Kon hydropower plant, resulted in early Thursday flooding, submerging over 300 homes and destroying about 100 hectares of crops, including newly planted rice fields.

 

Residents of Dai Hung Commune, confronted with unexpected summertime flooding, rushed to salvage what remained of their submerged farmland, strategically harvesting vegetables and watermelons from riverside fields. Nguyen Quoc Than, the local commune chairman, remarked on the unprecedented timing of the floods, emphasising the urgency of the situation. Recovery efforts saw locals using boats to collect floating watermelons along the Quang Hue River, as the approaching harvest season seemed increasingly uncertain.

 

As of Friday morning, Storm Wutip reached peak intensity, with winds near its core reaching 102 kph over southern waters off China's Hainan Island. The storm is projected to move northwest towards the Gulf of Tonkin, heightening the risk of further heavy rains and rising sea levels from Hai Phong to Nghe An.

 

Forecasts from the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting predict that Wutip will continue along the coast before shifting direction upon reaching the northeastern Gulf of Tonkin. As it gradually changes course to move north-northeast, it is likely to weaken into a tropical depression upon entering Guangdong Province, China, in the following days, easing the immediate threat to Vietnam.

 

While grappling with the immediate impacts of Wutip, local authorities and communities in the affected regions continue their efforts to mitigate damage and protect residents from further harm. The dedication of rescue teams and civil organisations in providing timely support illustrates Vietnam's readiness to address such natural challenges, even as they confront unprecedented weather events.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-06-13