Da Nang’s Son Tra Mountain access closed as heavy rain sparks flooding concern
Tuesday, November 05, 2024, 15:55 GMT+7
A heavy downpour hit Da Nang City in central Vietnam early Tuesday morning, causing localized flooding and prompting authorities to restrict access to Son Tra Mountain because of landslide risks.
This marks the first major downpour in a series of heavy rains forecast to sweep through central Vietnam from November 3 to 10.
Phung Hong Long, head of forecasting at the Central and South-Central Regional Hydro-Meteorological Center, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that the city had experienced continuous heavy rain since early Tuesday morning.
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| A heavy downpour blankets Da Nang City in central Vietnam, November 5, 2024. Photo: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre |
Between 2:00 and 5:00 am, rainfall across various districts ranged from 40 to 80 millimeters, with the Da Nang meteorological station recording 97 millimeters.
From 4:00 to 7:00 am, precipitation totals in some districts reached up to 150 millimeters, with the Da Nang Water Resources Department station recording a peak of 178.8 millimeters.
The prolonged rain has caused localized flooding in several 'hotspots' across the coastal city.
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| Rocks and debris are swept down from Son Tra Mountain in Da Nang City, central Vietnam, November 5, 2024. Photo: Son Tra District People’s Committee |
In response, the Da Nang Department of Education and Training has authorized district education bureaus to decide on school closures based on local conditions.
Fearing a repeat of the historic 2022 floods, many residents rushed to move their vehicles to higher ground as the rain continued.
Long noted that the heavy rain had been anticipated, with warnings issued days in advance.
On Monday, local authorities had cautioned its residents about potential rainfall reaching up to 150 millimeters.
"Such heavy rainfall raises concerns about flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas, as well as flooding in urban low-lying regions," Long said.
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| A resident wheels her bicycle through a flooded street in Da Nang City, central Vietnam, November 5, 2024. Photo: Hong Giang |
Authorities in Son Tra District have closed access to Son Tra Mountain to mitigate risks of landslides and falling rocks.
Hoang Son Tra, chairman of the Son Tra District People's Committee, confirmed that three checkpoints have been established along the routes leading to the mountain.
Tourist areas on Son Tra Mountain are required to register vehicles and commit to safety measures if access is necessary.
The local Disaster Prevention, Search and Rescue, and Civil Defense Committee reported that as of 7:00 am on Tuesday, water levels in local rivers were rising but remained below critical thresholds.
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