Storm Soulik injures 1, triggers major flooding across central region

Rising water levels in the Gianh River have caused severe flooding in many homes in Thanh Thạch Commune, Tuyên Hóa District, Quảng Bình Province. — VNA/VNS Photos

QUẢNG BÌNH — The effects of Storm Soulik have injured one person and damaged 93 houses in central Việt Nam, according to the Disaster and Dyke Management Authority on Friday.

A total of 2,322 households were evacuated due to high risks of flooding and landslides.

Heavy rains on Thursday evening and night led to significant flooding across parts of the central province of Quảng Bình, with water levels in the Gianh River rising sharply.

In Thanh Thạch Commune, Tuyên Hóa District, dozens of homes were inundated.

According to local officials, the rainfall was brought on by Storm Soulik, which had weakened from a typhoon into a tropical depression after making landfall earlier on Thursday.

The storm triggered a surge in upstream water levels, submerging over 20 homes in villages three and four of Thanh Thạch, with some properties facing water levels as high as four metres. Fortunately, all residents were safely evacuated.

By Friday morning, the rain had ceased, and water levels showed signs of receding, said Đoàn Xuân Long, chairman of the Thanh Thạch People's Committee.

Local authorities are now assisting residents in the clean-up process as the floodwater gradually recedes.

The National Centre for Hydrometeorological Forecasting reported that, after hitting Quảng Bình and Quảng Trị provinces, Typhoon Soulik has significantly weakened but still left areas vulnerable to flash floods and landslides.

The provincial hydrometeorological centre noted that the tropical convergence zone over the central region has continued to bring heavy downpours, especially in the mountainous communes of Tuyên Hóa and Minh Hóa districts, where rainfall exceeded 400mm, with some areas reaching 633mm.

These heavy rains have caused river levels across Quảng Bình to rise.

The Gianh River surpassed warning level 2 by 1.39 metres, while both the Kiến Giang and Nhật Lệ Rivers exceeded warning level 1. The severe weather has also resulted in landslides and flooding in various parts of the province, leading to localised disruptions.

At severely flooded locations, authorities have set up roadblocks and posted warning signs to prohibit movement.

Border guards are working with local officials to ensure public safety, urging residents to avoid crossing fast-moving waters.

In preparation for the storm and anticipated flooding, Quảng Bình province had already evacuated nearly 900 households, totalling more than 3,000 people, from high-risk areas to safer places.

Heavy rain has also caused widespread flooding in Nghệ An and Hà Tĩnh provinces, prompting urgent relief efforts from local authorities.

As of 7am on Friday, the Hà Tĩnh Province's Flood and Storm Prevention and Search and Rescue Committee reported that water levels on the Ngàn Sâu and Ngàn Phố rivers are approaching warning level 2, while the La River is currently at warning level 1.

There is a significant risk of flooding in low-lying areas, along with flash floods and landslides in mountainous regions. Urban areas are also under threat.

Border guards assist residents in repairing roofs damaged by Storm Soulik in Cẩm Xuyên district, Hà Tĩnh Province.

Authorities in Hương Khê, Cẩm Xuyên and Thạch Hà districts are taking proactive measures, relocating residents from flood-prone areas to safer locations.

In Nghệ An Province, flooding has affected several riverfront communes, including Bích Hào and Thanh Lĩnh communes in Thanh Chương District.

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyễn Thế Anh confirmed that many rural roads are submerged, leading to school closures for thousands of students.

Several hydropower plants in two provinces have started releasing water to manage rising levels.

Initial assessments of Hà Tĩnh Proivnce reveal that 14 homes in Kỳ Xuân Commune, Kỳ Anh District have suffered roof damage.

Strong winds have exacerbated the situation, damaging 39 houses and auxiliary structures, downing 10 streetlight poles and uprooting hundreds of trees in Cẩm Dương and Nam Phúc Thăng communes.

In Lộc Hà and Can Lộc districts, four homes in Thịnh Lộc and Sơn Lộc communes have lost roofs, with numerous power poles also reported down in Quang Lộc Commune.

Local authorities are mobilising community organisations to address immediate disaster-related damage and support affected residents. The erratic heavy rainfall continues to cause localised flooding in various areas.

Hà Tĩnh Province has urged local units to raise awareness, set up warning signs and restrict access to flooded roads to mitigate further damage. They are also tasked with monitoring the situation and ensuring effective storm and flood prevention measures are implemented.