Wutip, the first storm arising in the East Sea so far this year, has caused widespread flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage in central localities, prompting them to take urgent response measures.
In Quang Tri, thousands have been urgently evacuated as authorities race to protect lives and minimise further losses.
According to the provincial Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, and Search and Rescue, persistent heavy rainfall - ranging from 300mm to over 570mm in some areas, including the La To hydropower station in Dakrong - has caused severe flooding across low-lying regions. Major rivers such as Thach Han, Hieu, and O Lau have rapidly risen, surpassing alert thresholds and inundating vast areas downstream.
In Lao Bao town, the Se Pon River burst its banks around 2:00am on June 13, flooding neighbourhoods including Duy Tan, Cao Viet, and Vinh Dong. Emergency crews, including local military and border forces, worked through the night to relocate residents. A total of 143 households with 465 people were evacuated, with some homes submerged under over one metre of water.
In Hai Lang district, more than 1,486 households are affected, with Hai Thuong and Hai Phong communes bearing the brunt. In Dakrong, 98 households in Ba Long and A Bung have been relocated. Quang Tri township has reported flooding in 285 homes, 70 of which were submerged by more than one metre.
Transport systems have been paralysed in several districts. Many commune and village roads in Hai Lang are under 0.3-1m of water, while highways and provincial roads are flooded by up to 4 metres. In Dakrong, access to Ba Nang and A Vao communes is completely cut off.
Landslides have struck parts of the western branch of the Ho Chi Minh Road. At Km 95 in Huong Viet commune (Huong Hoa district), a 50sq.m landslide has blocked the road entirely. Authorities have installed warning barriers and are monitoring for further risk.
In Huong Lap commune, a 50-metre embankment section at a resettlement site collapsed, prompting evacuations. Border forces and local officials are also deploying barriers at overflow bridges to prevent crossings and reduce risks.
The risk of landslides and flash floods remains critical in mountainous districts such as Huong Hoa, Dakrong, Cam Lo, Gio Linh, Trieu Phong, and Hai Lang, as well as in areas with ongoing wind power and highway projects.
Flooding has severely affected agriculture in Quang Tri. Over 18,000 hectares of rice, 996 hectares of vegetables, 62.5 hectares of lotus, and 100 hectares of aquaculture have been inundated. Several public works, including irrigation canals, culverts, sports grounds, and embankments along the Ho Chi Minh route, have been damaged or collapsed.
Local authorities have been directed to remain vigilant, evacuate residents from high-risk areas, and closely monitor water reservoir operations. A total of 2,280 vessels with over 5,500 crew members have been safely anchored, with no human casualties reported.
In Kon Tum province, damage to infrastructure and transport networks is being urgently fixed. In Kon Ray district, one house was damaged. A suspension bridge over the Dak Tea stream in Tu Mo Rong was compromised, and several roads have suffered landslides.
Tran Van Luc, head of office of the provincial Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, and Search and Rescue, stated that Kon Tum has activated round-the-clock monitoring with forces and machines ready for rescuing missions.
The provincial weather service forecasts continued heavy rain, raising the likelihood of flooding, landslides, and damage to infrastructure.
In Hue city, the Huong River has surpassed Alert Level 2, and the Bo River has reached Alert Level 3. Other rivers, including O Lau and Truoi, remain at high levels. These are expected to peak within the next 12 hours before receding slowly.
As of 7:00am on June 13, the Huong Dien hydropower reservoir had reached its normal water level. The Binh Dien and Ta Trach reservoirs are also near capacity and carefully managing outflows.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast across the region throughout June 13, with gusts up to Force 12 offshore. Wave heights are expected to reach 3–5m. Authorities have issued a level-3 warning for coastal winds and waves, advising all vessels to remain in port.
Local officials have also warned parents to closely supervise children during school holidays, particularly around water bodies./.
VNA
