Hanoi, Vietnam – Vietnam is bracing for Typhoon Verbena just days after experiencing its deadliest flooding in recent years, which has already claimed at least 98 lives and left 10 people missing as of Tuesday, November 25th, at 5:30 PM local time.
Typhoon Verbena entered the South China Sea on November 26th and is forecast to strengthen as it moves across the central portion of the sea on November 27th, according to The straits Times. Meteorological agencies in Japan and Hong Kong predict the typhoon will intensify over the next 24 to 48 hours.
The storm is expected to move westward and slow down after November 28th, weakening by the end of the week, but is currently tracking towards south-central Vietnam.This region is already reeling from catastrophic flooding triggered by days of heavy rainfall.
The flooding has impacted over 202,000 homes, with more than 400 collapsing, resulting in economic losses exceeding 13.08 trillion Vietnamese dong (approximately USD 645 million). Dak Lak and Khanh Hoa provinces have suffered the highest number of casualties.
Authorities are warning that Verbena could bring widespread heavy rain beginning November 28th, raising fears of landslides and flash floods in areas already devastated by the recent flooding.
Vietnam’s 5th Military Region has mobilized in response. Colonel Phan dai Nghia, Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff, ordered a halt to non-essential activities and the preparation of troops and equipment to assist affected residents. Border Guard Units are working with local authorities to ensure the safety of vessels and crews at sea, and to disseminate facts regarding the typhoon’s path.
Three work teams have been dispatched to Gia Lai, Dak Lak, and Khanh Hoa – the provinces most severely impacted by the flooding - to support prevention efforts and prepare for the approaching storm.
Colonel Nghia emphasized the need to learn from past responses and prepare for extended periods of heavy rainfall due to the storm’s circulation, stating, “We must focus all resources on responding to Hurricane verbena.”
