Vietnam: Landslides and flooding from Typhoon Bebinca kill eight August 18

Event

Vietnamese authorities reported the deaths of eight people due to flooding and landslides caused by Typhoon Bebinca on Saturday, August 18. Five people died in Nghe An province with three others killed in Thanh Hoa and Son La. At least two others remain missing as of Saturday. Flooding from the storm also forced around 10,000 people to evacuate from north-central provinces of Nghe An and Thanh Hoa. Road closures and transportation disruptions are expected to continue in the coming days due to floodwaters and landslides.

Context

Typhoon Bebinca made landfall in northern Vietnam on Friday, August 17. Typhoons and tropical cyclones are common in the western Pacific and South China Sea from June through November. Natural disasters, including typhoons and their effects, have killed around 70 people and caused USD 63.8 million of damage in 2018 thus far.

Advice

Individuals in the above areas are advised to keep abreast of the situation, anticipate traffic disruptions, obey instructions issued by the local authorities, and avoid flood-prone areas until the situation stabilizes. 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.