Vietnam: Tropical system Toraji makes landfall in southern provinces Nov. 18

Event

Tropical Depression Toraji made landfall in Vietnam on Sunday, November 18, bringing heavy rains which killed at least 12 people. Officials deployed troops to Khánh Hòa province where flash floods washed out roads and destroyed villages, while traffic on National Route 1A, linking north and south Vietnam, was disrupted. Flooding and destructive landslides impacted the provinces of Ninh Thuận and Bình Thuận and rainfall totals of 38 cm (15 in) were reported in Nha Trang (Khánh Hòa province) over the course of several hours. The storm is forecast to continue south-southwest into the Gulf of Thailand where it may strengthen.

Context

Tropical cyclones and typhoons are common in the western Pacific and South China Sea from June through November.

Advice

Individuals present in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate strong winds and heavy rain (and associated disruptions), and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.