Storm Trami makes landfall in central Vietnam, bringing flood risks, the death toll in the Philippines rises

HANOI/MANILA – Tropical Storm Trami continued to wreak havoc in parts of Southeast Asia on October 27, making landfall in central Vietnam as authorities there warned that the heavy rains it brings could trigger dangerous flooding.

Trami has already left a trail of disaster in the Philippines with the death toll rising to at least 85, and the country bracing for another cyclone and the possible return of Trami.

As many as 41 people were reported missing after the storm that also displaced more than half a million people, the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction Agency said on October 26. Most of the deaths from the storm occurred on the main island of Luzon.

In Malaysia, the Malaysian Meteorological Department warned of severe thunderstorms, heavy rains and strong winds for the northern parts of the peninsula, The Star reported.

A statement on October 27 said bad weather was expected in Perlis until 4 p.m.; Kedah (Langkawi, Kubang Pasu, Kuala Muda, Sik, Baling, Kulim and Bandar Baharu); Penang; and Perak (Kerian, Larut, Matang and Selama, Hulu Perak, Kuala Kangsar and Kinta).

In Vietnam, precipitation is expected to reach 60 cm in various parts of the provinces from Quang Binh to Quang Nam on October 27 and 28, according to the National Weather Forecast Bureau.

“Flood risks are high in urban areas from Ha Tinh to Binh Dinh provinces,” the agency said.

Heavy rains are also expected to hit the Central Highlands, the country’s main coffee growing area, the agency said.

Trami, with winds of up to 88 km/h, was located 65 km northeast of Danang at 9 a.m. local time on October 27.

The storm forced four airports in central Vietnam to temporarily close, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam. Among them, the international airport in Danang City was closed from 6:00 am on October 27 to 4:00 am on October 28.

According to state media reports, Trami’s strong winds downed trees and billboards in Danang.

Vietnam and the Philippines, both with extensive coastlines, are prone to storms and floods that often cause heavy losses and property damage. Both were also hit by Typhoon Yagi last month.