HCMC – Water levels on the Thu Bon River in the ancient town of Hoi An could surpass the historic 1964 flood mark as heavy rain is continuing across central Vietnam, according to the central weather forecasting station.
As of 1:30 p.m. on October 29, water levels on the Vu Gia–Thu Bon and Tam Ky rivers were rising quickly. Levels on the Vu Gia, Thu Bon, and Han rivers were above alert level 3, while the Tam Ky River exceeded alert level 2, reported the Government news website (baochinhphu.vn).
Flood peaks on the Vu Gia River at Ai Nghia are forecast to reach 10.6 to 10.8 meters, near the 2009 record of 10.77 meters. The Thu Bon River could rise to 5.45 to 5.5 meters at Cau Lau, matching the 1964 record of 5.48 meters. In Hoi An, water levels may reach 3.5 meters, about 0.1 meter higher than the 1964 record.
Over the next 18 to 24 hours, water levels on the Vu Gia–Thu Bon rivers are expected to recede slowly but remain high. The Tam Ky River will likely fluctuate between alert levels 1 and 2.
Widespread flooding continues in low-lying and riverside areas, affecting both rural and urban zones. The hardest-hit localities include Que Phuoc, Nong Son, Que Son, Tam Xuan, Duy Xuyen, Dai Loc, Dien Ban, and Hoi An.
The weather station said heavy to very heavy rain, along with thunderstorms, is forecast in Danang from the evening of October 29 through the night of October 30. Rainfall in lowland areas is expected to reach 100 to 200 millimeters, with some places exceeding 300 millimeters. Mountain areas could receive 100 to 250 millimeters, with localized totals of more than 400 millimeters.
Ten communes and wards, including Go Noi, Thuong Duc, Vu Gia, Ha Nha, Dai Loc, Nong Son, Que Phuoc, Duy Xuyen, Thu Bon, and Phu Thuan, have been cut off by floodwaters. Another 29 areas are heavily flooded, including Hai Van, Hoa Xuan, Lien Chieu, Ngu Hanh Son, Hoa Vang, and several parts of Hoi An and Dien Ban.
Local authorities have evacuated 4,835 households, or 15,886 residents, to ensure safety as floodwaters continue to swell.
