Warning of disaster risks following Typhoon Bualoi

Concerns have been raised about the potential impacts of heavy rainfall, floods, and natural calamities, including flash floods and landslides, in the aftermath of the strong wind. As a result of this trend, a correspondent from Vietnam Agriculture and Nature News interviewed Nguyen Thuong Hien, Director of the Viet Nam Meteorological and Hydrological Administration (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment), regarding the effects of Bualoi and the potential natural disaster trends ahead.

The center of Typhoon Bualoi (locally referred to as Typhoon No. 10) relocated to the region between Ha Tinh and North Quang Tri late on September 28.

Typhoon Bualoi has recently made landfall in Vietnam. Mr. Hien, what are the anticipated future developments?

By 11 p.m. tonight (September 28), the eye of Typhoon Bualoi had moved into the region between Ha Tinh province and northern Quang Tri province, and it made landfall at Deo Ngang.

This storm has been documented as the most rapidly moving typhoon ever observed in the East Sea. The typhoon traveled over 1,000 kilometers and directly affected the northern and central provinces of Vietnam in just two days, from the evening of September 26 to the evening of September 28.

Strong winds were observed at numerous monitoring stations during the storm. Co To (Quang Ninh) experienced level 7 winds with gusts as high as level 9, Bach Long Vi (Hai Phong) experienced level 8 winds with gusts as high as level 9, Sam Son (Thanh Hoa) experienced level 6 winds with gusts as high as level 8, Hon Ngu (Nghe An) experienced level 6 winds with gusts as high as level 9, and Con Co (Quang Tri) recorded level 10 winds with gusts as high as level 11.

Winds of level 6–8 with surges of level 9–12 were observed along the coastal mainland from Quang Ninh to northern Quang Tri. Winds at Hoanh Son station (Ha Tinh) reached level 11, with gusts reaching level 14. At Bac Trach station (Quang Tri), winds were at level 9, with gusts reaching level 13. The storm's eye is anticipated to move further inland from tonight until the morning of September 29, crossing into Laos. There, it will progressively weaken and dissipate.

Typhoon Bualoi has brought heavy rainfall and strong gusts to regions spanning from Thanh Hoa to Thua Thien Hue.

What is the anticipated rainfall and inundation following the storm's arrival?

From tonight until tomorrow afternoon, the combined effects of Typhoon Bualoi's circulation and the subsequent southeast monsoon will continue to deliver heavy to torrential rainfall to regions spanning from Thanh Hoa to Hue.

Additionally, the Red River Delta, Phu Tho, southern Son La and Lao Cai provinces, and the region from Thanh Hoa to northern Quang Tri are expected to experience significant rainfall. The anticipated total precipitation is 200–400 millimeters, with some regions exceeding 600 millimeters. Authorities have foreseen localized extreme rainfall exceeding 200 millimeters within a three-hour period.

Between September 28 and October 1, medium to major floods are anticipated on the Thao River (Lao Cai), Hoang Long River (Ninh Binh), Ma and Chu Rivers (Thanh Hoa), Ca River (Nghe An), Ngan Sau, Ngan Pho, La River (Linh Cam), and the Gianh and Kien Giang Rivers (Quang Tri).

The western districts of Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Ha Tinh are at a high risk of experiencing flash floods, landslides, and pervasive flooding from Thanh Hoa to Ha Tinh. Excessive rainfall in the southern Red River Delta may also result in localized urban flooding.

In light of the ongoing risks, what directives has the administration implemented to guarantee that timely and precise information is disseminated throughout the nation?

The hazards of heavy rain, flooding, flash floods, and landslides are still severe in the days ahead, despite the fact that Typhoon Bualoi has already made landfall. The administration has directed the entire national meteorological and hydrological system to maintain its highest forecasting and warning posture in order to provide timely, accurate information for disaster response, in accordance with urgent instructions from the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.

In particular, the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting is collaborating with pertinent agencies to closely monitor the storm's progression, providing timely, dependable warnings to aid in disaster prevention efforts in localities, and consistently updating forecasts for heavy rain and strong winds. Regional forecasting centers have directed provincial stations in the North and Central regions to provide local authorities with direct consultation and detailed updates on flood, flash flood, and landslide hazards. This will enable a proactive response before, during, and after the storm. Forecasts are being disseminated in a variety of formats and in uncomplicated language to guarantee that residents can promptly access and act upon the information.

Simultaneously, observation stations are conducting 24/7 enhanced monitoring to guarantee the safe and timely transmission of data. The Meteorological Observation Technical Center is ensuring the smooth operation of additional automatic observation stations in central provinces, while the Survey, Services, and Technology Center is ensuring the stable operation of the nationwide weather radar network, which has been providing accurate information on the storm's center and intensity.

These measures are being implemented in strict adherence to the Prime Minister's directive, with the objective of facilitating the implementation of the most effective response plans and minimizing the damage caused by Typhoon Bualoi by the public and relevant authorities.

Thank you, Mr. Hien!

September is characterized by an average of two tropical depressions or cyclones in the East Sea. However, there have been four already this year. Super Typhoon Ragasa (Typhoon No. 9) was the most powerful storm in the globe since the beginning of 2025 and the strongest storm to have ever been recorded in the East Sea. In contrast, Typhoon Bualoi (Typhoon No. 10) has maintained an average forward speed of 30–35 kilometers per hour, which is twice as rapid as typical storms.

The Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention reported that over 28,000 people have been relocated from provinces stretching from Ninh Binh to Quang Ngai. Among them are close to 7,000 residents in Thanh Hoa, more than 16,500 in Ha Tinh, and over 2,100 in Quang Tri.

Early assessments recorded one casualty in Hue, where a woman was swept away by rising waters late Saturday and later found on Sunday. Authorities also confirmed four people missing, three in Quang Tri and one in Da Nang while 86 homes have been damaged or stripped of their roofs.