The road to Sơn Trà peninsula suffered serious damages. — VNA/VNS Photo

ĐÀ NẴNG — Due to the impacts of Sonca, the fifth storm entering the East Sea so far this year, the central city of Đà Nẵng has suffered historic flooding that has caused great losses, the central city's Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, Search, Rescue and Civil Defence reported on October 15.

As of 5am on October 15, serious flooding was seen in all districts and wards, drowning streets and houses, forcing locals to move to higher places.

The flooding killed one local, while a resident in Hoà An Ward, Cẩm Lệ District who was swept away by flood water was rescued.

Flooding destroyed about 7.5 hectares of crops, while 2,524 power stations were damaged, affecting about 206,000 customers. So far, 1,032 of which have been repaired. 

At 8:40pm on October 14, due to flooding and landslides, local authorities decided to shut Hải Vân tunnels down to ensure safety for travellers. On October 15 morning, Hải Vân 2 tunnel was reopened, and Hải Vân 1 later the same day.

Currently, the locality is focusing on overcoming the flood consequences.

Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Nguyễn Văn Quảng demanded local authorities to concentrate on clearing roads, ensuring food and water supply for people in flooded areas, and preventing diseases.

Flooding and erosion in several areas of the Sơn Trà peninsula area. — VNA/VNS Photo

Torrential rains with rainfall of 80-150mm and even 220mm are forecast to continue in Đà Nẵng until October 16, raising the water level in nearby rivers, leading to a high risk of flash flood and landslides.

Meanwhile, flooding has isolated many areas in the central province of Quảng Trị and hinder traffic in many major roads.

The water levels on Ô Lâu and Thạch Hãn rivers is rising fast. The province has planned to evacuate 14,341 households with 53,005 people.

At the same time, torrential rains, strong winds and landslides have damaged many public works and seriously affected the transport system as well as production activities in Quảng Nam Province.

Efforts to overcome natural disaster consequences are underway. — VNS

Điên Biên Phủ junction underground tunnel is completely flooded following the heavy downpours from Friday. — VNA/VNS Photo