Localities restoring infrastructure and livelihoods after Typhoon Narra

Typhoon No. 4 (Narra) moved slowly, bringing prolonged rain, floodwaters

A low-pressure system over the waters east of the northern East Sea strengthened into a tropical depression. On the night of August 20, the tropical depression entered the northern part of the Gulf of Tonkin and, by the evening of August 21, strengthened into Typhoon Narra of 2026, internationally named Narra.

A distinctive feature of the storm was its very slow movement after entering the Gulf of Tonkin, averaging only around 3-5 km/h, while repeatedly changing direction. At times, the storm appeared to circle almost aimlessly over the gulf, following a zigzagging, looping track and even shifting back toward the open sea.

From the night of August 24, the storm changed course and began moving outward. On the afternoon of August 25, it weakened into a tropical depression, and by the afternoon of August 26, it had further weakened into a low-pressure area over southwestern Guangdong Province, China, before gradually dissipating.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Typhoon Narra affected the Gulf of Tonkin for about five to six days, much longer than the typical one to two days storms usually remain in the area. During its activity, the storm reached sustained winds of Force 8-9, with gusts up to Force 11.

Because of its slow movement and prolonged presence over the gulf, the storm’s circulation brought persistent rainfall to the mainland, as northern provinces had just experienced another spell of heavy rain from August 17-20. From the evening of August 20 through August 25, heavy rain spread from the northern region to Nghe An Province.

Quang Ninh and Lang Son recorded very heavy rainfall, generally ranging from 300-500 mm, with some areas receiving more than 700 mm. In Cao Bang, Hai Phong, Hung Yen, Bac Ninh, Ninh Binh and Thanh Hoa, rainfall in some areas reached 200-400 mm. Other areas in the northern region and north-central Vietnam generally received 100-200 mm.

The successive spells of heavy rain left already saturated soils unable to absorb more water, while runoff from river basins flowed into rivers and streams, triggering major flooding across numerous waterways. In eight provinces and cities, water levels on six rivers rose to high levels. At times, the Ky Cung and Trung rivers in Lang Son, and the Thuong, Luc Nam and Cau rivers in Thai Nguyen and Bac Ninh, exceeded Alert Level 3. The Day and Buoi rivers rose above Alert Level 2, while the Len River at times exceeded Alert Level 3.

According to figures compiled as of the morning of August 27, Typhoon No. 4 and the accompanying heavy rains left two people dead and three injured. Around 8,500 homes were flooded, nearly 1,800 of which remained inundated. More than 1,000 homes were damaged or had their roofs blown off, while two houses were completely destroyed. Around 2,500 households remained cut off after roads leading to residential areas were flooded.

In agricultural production, nearly 33,000 hectares of rice and other crops were flooded or affected, while more than 1,400 hectares of various crops were inundated and damaged. The floods also killed more than 200 livestock and nearly 13,000 poultry, and damaged approximately 1,000 hectares of aquaculture areas.

Early action, immediate recovery

When it was still a tropical depression over the East Sea, Typhoon Narra was forecast to develop unpredictably and potentially bring prolonged heavy rainfall over a wide area. As a result, central authorities and local governments initiated response and preparedness measures early.

On August 21, the Prime Minister issued Official Dispatch No. 57/CĐ-TTg, directing localities from the northern region to Quang Tri Province to proactively respond to storms and floods. The National Civil Defense Steering Committee also issued four official dispatches in response to the storm’s developments. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment directed measures to ensure dyke safety and respond to rising water levels on the Cau, Thuong, Luc Nam and Thai Binh rivers. On August 24, a working delegation led by Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep traveled directly to Lang Son Province to direct response and recovery efforts.

Forecasting and early warning activities were carried out continuously. The VDDMA maintained 24-hour duty shifts, dispatched working teams to key areas and coordinated the dissemination of warnings via Zalo to approximately 11.6 million subscribers in affected areas.

At sea, more than 52,000 vessels carrying around 210,000 people were notified, accounted for and guided away from dangerous areas. Quang Ninh, Hung Yen, Ninh Binh and Hai Phong imposed a ban on sea activities from August 22 to 26. Local authorities also took measures to protect about 141,000 hectares of aquaculture areas, nearly 29,000 cages, and more than 3,200 guard huts.

Amid the risk of major flooding, more than 7,700 households were evacuated to safe locations, with food and essential supplies provided. As of the morning of August 27, nearly 600 households remained in evacuation shelters and would be supported in returning home once conditions were deemed safe.

Regarding the dyke system, forces were deployed to patrol and guard approximately 1,014 km of dykes, focusing on 87 vulnerable locations and four structures currently under construction. During the flooding, 54 dyke incidents were reported; most were detected and addressed promptly in the initial hours and continue to be monitored.

In areas that were cut off, local forces were mobilized to transport food supplies, repair roads and address landslides, while reservoir operations were managed to ensure the safety of the facilities and downstream areas. Power supplies were also gradually restored. Of the nearly 193,000 affected customers, more than 188,000 have had electricity restored, while around 4,400 customers are still awaiting repairs.

In Nghe An Province, floodwaters swept away three temporary bridges in Tam Thai Commune. To date, crews have repaired two bridges, helping residents travel and allowing students to return to school ahead of the new academic year.

As floodwaters recede, the focus will shift to recovery efforts, with priority given to restoring transportation, electricity, clean water supplies, schools and other essential infrastructure, while assessing the damage to determine appropriate support measures for affected residents. Local authorities are also required to review the causes of severe flooding in heavily affected river basins and propose long-term solutions for drainage, dykes and infrastructure.

During the National Day holiday on September 2, local authorities should continue closely monitoring weather developments, maintain on-duty forces and remain ready to respond to any potential natural disasters.