Storm Trami hits central Vietnam, threatens flooding, death toll rises in Philippines

HANOI/MANILA. On October 27, Tropical Storm Trami continued to wreak havoc across parts of Southeast Asia, reaching central Vietnam as authorities there warned that the heavy rains it was producing could cause dangerous flooding.

Trami has already left a trail of disaster in the Philippines with the number of dead increase to at least 85, and the country is preparing for another cyclone and the possible return of Trami.

41 people are reported missing after the storm displaced more than half a million people, the Philippines’ disaster risk reduction agency said on Oct. 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, torrential rain and strong winds in the northern parts of the peninsula, The Star reported.

The October 27 statement said severe weather is expected until 4pm in Perlis; 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).

According to the National Weather Forecasting Agency, in Vietnam on October 27-28, rainfall will reach 60 cm in several parts of provinces from Quang Binh to Quang Nam.

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

Heavy rains are also expected to hit the Central Highlands, the country’s key coffee-growing region, the agency said.

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

According to the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam, the storm forced the temporary closure of four airports in central Vietnam. Among them, the international airport in Da Nang city was closed from 6 a.m. on October 27 to 4 a.m. on October 28.

According to state media reports, Trami’s strong winds toppled trees and billboards in Da Nang.

Vietnam and the Philippines, both with extensive coastlines, are prone to storms and floods that often result in significant casualties and property damage. Both were affected by Typhoon Yagi last month.