Heavy rain continues to batter central Vietnam, swelling rivers and triggering landslides, while several reservoirs have begun releasing water and hundreds of residents have been evacuated from high-risk areas.
Downpours persisted across several central provinces and cities on November 11, with rainfall exceeding 166 millimetres in Tra Don, southern Danang, reaching 545 millimetres in parts of Quang Ngai and topping 200 millimetres in some areas of Gia Lai.
In Hue, floodwaters on the Truoi River had receded from November 10 levels but continued to inundate low-lying residential areas.
According to Tran Ngoc Duong, Party Secretary of Hoa Chau Ward in Hue, several areas near Tam Giang Lagoon experienced severe flooding overnight on November 10 as upstream reservoirs on the Bo River released water amid high tides.
Floodwaters had subsided by the following morning.
In Quang Ngai, the Tra Khuc River reached 4.7 metres at 1am on November 11, just 0.25 metres below alert level two, while the Ve River stood at 4.26 metres, 0.24 metres below alert level three.
Several low-lying riverside areas were already flooded.
Forecasters warned that the Tra Khuc River could rise above alert level two within the following six to 12 hours, while the Ve River could exceed alert level three.
In Khanh Hoa, three reservoirs, Suoi Dau, Dac Loc and Cay Sung, began releasing water downstream at 7am on November 11, with operations expected to continue until November 16.
Discharge rates were set at 5-60, 3-15 and 1-10 cubic metres per second, respectively.
Authorities warned that reservoir releases, combined with heavy rainfall and high tides, could raise downstream water levels and cause localised flooding.
Landslides block roads, hundreds evacuated
Torrential rain triggered landslides along several mountainous roads in Danang.
Fallen earth and rocks blocked access to Moang Roang Village in Tra Leng Commune, while landslides also affected DH1 Road near the Ong De area and National Highway 40B through Tra Tan Commune.
Danang Department of Construction Director Le Thanh Hung ordered relevant agencies to urgently inspect affected areas, clear landslides and restore traffic.
Warning signs and barriers were to be installed at dangerous locations, with personnel deployed to block access and divert vehicles away from unsafe roads.
In Quang Ngai, landslides damaged roads in Ngoc Linh, Xop and Ba To communes and the Kon Plong area.
Ngoc Linh authorities evacuated 115 households, comprising nearly 400 residents living near mountain slopes in Muong Hoong and Tak Min villages, to safer locations.
In Gia Lai, Nha Sam Pass, connecting Canh Hiep Hamlet and Canh Tien Village in Canh Vinh Commune, remained closed after a landslide sent earth and rocks onto the road and blocked drainage channels.
Local authorities also extended the evacuation of 68 households from landslide-prone areas around Mot Mountain and Ba Hoa Mountain in Quy Nhon Ward and Ganh Mountain in Cat Tien Commune until November 12.
Meanwhile, floodwaters were receding in Quang Tri, where authorities were working to clear landslides along National Highway 9C and restore traffic.
Rainfall had also eased in Nghe An and Ha Tinh, where temperatures had turned cooler.
