Typhoon Narra, known as Storm No. 4 in Vietnam, remained offshore early Monday as heavy rain caused serious flooding across northern areas.
The storm brought strong winds and intense rain to the region. Several rivers reached high flood alert levels. At least one person died, while more than 4,000 homes were damaged or flooded in Lang Son Province.
At 4am, the centre of the storm was about 140km east of Quang Ninh Province over the Gulf of Tonkin. It had sustained winds of 75 to 88km per hour. Stronger gusts reached 103 to 117km per hour.
The storm had moved very little during the six hours before the latest report. Forecasters said it was expected to move slowly east and then north-east over the Gulf of Tonkin.
The system is expected to reach China’s Guangxi region around August 27. It should then weaken into a tropical depression.
Strong winds and heavy rain have already caused major problems in northern Vietnam. Wind gusts of up to 117km per hour were recorded on Bach Long Vi Island.
Rainfall since August 21 has passed 500mm in parts of Quang Ninh. Some areas of Lang Son received more than 520mm.
The large amount of rain has left the ground very wet. This has increased the risk of flash floods and landslides in mountain areas.
Flooding has also pushed rivers in several provinces to dangerous levels.
In Bac Ninh Province, authorities issued repeated emergency warnings as water levels rose on the Thuong and Cau rivers.
The Thuong River passed the highest Level 3 danger mark shortly after midnight. At the Phu Lang Thuong station, the river reached 6.32 metres. This was 2cm above the Level 3 mark.
Officials expected the river to rise to about 7.1 metres by early Tuesday. The Cau River was also expected to continue rising and could reach about 7.9 metres.
Local authorities were ordered to inspect communities near rivers. They were also told to prepare for evacuations and increase patrols along dikes.
The emergency response follows a local system that keeps people, equipment, supplies and leadership ready at the affected site.
In nearby Thai Nguyen Province, the Cau River also passed its Level 2 warning level. Officials warned of more flooding if heavy rain continued.
Flash floods, landslides and flooding in towns remained possible in the province.
Lang Son has suffered some of the worst damage from the storm. Provincial authorities said one person died after a landslide caused a house to collapse.
More than 4,000 homes and other buildings were damaged or flooded as of August 23.
The storm also damaged about 2,680 hectares of crops and forest. More than 900 road locations were washed away or flooded.
More than 1,300 small businesses were also unable to operate because of the flooding.
In That Khe and Trang Dinh, about 2,000 households had their homes flooded. Many families had to leave their homes for safer areas.
Residents were still using boats to move through flooded neighbourhoods on Sunday. Rain had eased in some areas, but floodwater remained high.
Emergency support has reached many affected families. The Vietnam Red Cross in Lang Son provided 850 aid packages to households in seven communes and wards.
Two guesthouses run by the provincial police also opened free rooms for people who had to leave their homes. The two sites have more than 100 rooms. More than half were filled within hours.
Local officials have urged residents in dangerous areas to move to safer locations. Emergency teams and supplies are being kept in areas at risk of floods and landslides.
Transport authorities are also preparing for further damage. Road crews have been told to clear landslides and damaged roads.
They must also protect flooded crossings and other dangerous points. Rail operators are checking bridges and embankments that could be affected by floodwater.
Maritime authorities are guiding vessels to safe areas and keeping rescue teams ready. Airlines may also change flight schedules if weather conditions make travel unsafe.
The Gulf of Tonkin remains under a Level 3 disaster risk warning. Northern provinces also face flash flood and landslide risks as Typhoon Narra continues to affect the region.
Authorities are closely watching rainfall and river levels as the storm moves slowly away from Vietnam.
