The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that as of November 19, water levels on the Kon River (Gia Lai), Ba River, and Krong Ana River (Dak Lak) are continuing to rise, while water levels on the Bo and Huong Rivers (Hue City) and others from Da Nang to Khanh Hoa remain variable.

Within the next 12 hours, the flood on the Kon River is expected to continue rising above Alarm Level 3, while the Ba River at Phu Lam station may reach or exceed the 1993 historic level of 5.21 meters. Floodwaters on the Tra Khuc, Thu Bon, and Krong Ana rivers are also forecasted to rise beyond Alarm Level 2.

Heavy rain over the past several days has led to severe flooding in Khanh Hoa Province on November 17.

In the next 12 to 24 hours, water levels on the Kon and Ba rivers will remain very high, above Alarm Level 3. The Krong Ana River will continue to rise above Alarm Level 2, while the Thu Bon and Tra Khuc rivers are expected to recede slightly but stay within Alarm Levels 1 to 2.

The meteorological agency warns that over the next 24 hours, rivers such as the Huong, Bo, Vu Gia, and Srepok will fluctuate between Alarm Levels 1 and 2 or higher. Other rivers in Quang Ngai, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, and Khanh Hoa may also exceed Alarm Level 3.

Widespread flooding is likely across provinces from Hue to Khanh Hoa, with a high risk of flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas.

Disaster risk levels are categorized as follows: Level 4 for eastern Dak Lak (very high risk of floods, flash floods, and landslides), and Level 3 for river basins from Hue to Khanh Hoa.

These forecasts are based on expected water regulation from upstream reservoirs. Any change in discharge levels will prompt updated bulletins from the authorities.

15 confirmed dead or missing

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Prolonged rainfall causes severe flooding in Khanh Hoa on November 17. Photo: Xuan Ngoc

According to the Department of Dyke Management and Natural Disaster Prevention under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, as of the evening of November 18, central Vietnam has recorded 15 deaths and missing persons due to floods - an increase of three from earlier reports on November 17.

Of the victims, nine have been confirmed dead: eight in Khanh Hoa and one in Hue. Six others remain missing across Quang Tri, Khanh Hoa, and Da Nang. Nineteen people have sustained injuries from landslides and floods, the same as previously reported.

More than 17,700 homes have been submerged across Quang Tri, Hue, Gia Lai, and Khanh Hoa, with Hue and Khanh Hoa accounting for the majority.

Around 8,400 hectares of rice fields and crops have been flooded, mainly in Khanh Hoa, and over 6,000 livestock and poultry have been killed or swept away - most of them in Dak Lak.

Heavy rain continues, some areas exceed 400mm

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting stated that overnight and early this morning, Da Nang and the eastern regions of Quang Ngai to Khanh Hoa experienced heavy to very heavy rainfall. Between 7:00 p.m. on November 18 and 8:00 a.m. today, rainfall exceeded 260mm in some locations: Ba Dien station (Quang Ngai) recorded 260.6mm, Hoa My Tay station (Dak Lak) 529.8mm, and Canh Lien station (Gia Lai) 320.1mm.

Nguyen Van Huong, head of the Weather Forecasting Department, noted that from Hue to Khanh Hoa, persistent rain due to cold air and easterly winds will continue, posing a high risk of flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas, and urban flooding in low-lying regions.

From today until tomorrow night (November 20), Da Nang, eastern Quang Ngai to Dak Lak, and northern Khanh Hoa will see heavy to very heavy rainfall, with totals ranging from 100 to 300mm, and some areas exceeding 400mm.

Southern Khanh Hoa is expected to receive moderate to heavy rain, between 60 and 120mm, with isolated areas exceeding 200mm.

Throughout today and tonight, the Central Highlands will see moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms, with localized rainfall from 30 to 60mm and over 100mm in some places.

There is a warning for extreme rainfall intensity, with over 200mm falling in a three-hour period in certain areas.

Elsewhere, Hue City and eastern Lam Dong will experience rain and thunderstorms, with rainfall between 20 and 40mm, and localized downpours exceeding 80mm.

Ha Tinh, Quang Tri, and the southern region will see scattered showers and thunderstorms, with localized rain between 15 and 30mm, and some areas over 50mm - especially in the southern region during the afternoon and evening.

Thunderstorms may bring tornadoes, lightning, hail, and strong winds.

On November 21, rain will persist in Da Nang, eastern Quang Ngai to Dak Lak, and northern Khanh Hoa, with moderate to heavy rainfall between 30 and 60mm, and isolated areas over 120mm.

Bao Anh