VI
EN
On the morning of November 18th, despite the reduced intensity of the rain, the coastal city of Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa province, was still struggling to cope with the severe consequences of the historic flood. Many areas, especially in the western part of the city, remained submerged under a meter of muddy floodwater, turning streets into rivers that cut off and isolated the lives of thousands of households.
As of this morning, 8:30 AM on November 18th, the streets of Nha Trang remain a desolate and deserted scene. People have begun making their way back home after spending the night sheltering, but disappointment and helplessness are clearly visible on their faces.
After two days of heavy rain, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa province, was submerged in water, disrupting the lives of local residents.
Many major roads were flooded, affecting residents.
Many houses were almost completely submerged, and property was severely damaged. Major thoroughfares such as Nguyen Khuyen, 2nd April, Thoai Ngoc Hau, Pham Van Dong, and 23rd October... remained deeply flooded and completely blocked, making all traffic and relief efforts extremely difficult.
The most alarming images are from the western area of Nha Trang. Viewed from above, the entire area resembles a vast "sea of water" after two days of extremely heavy rainfall. The disruption to people's lives is immeasurable.
The cause of this severe flooding stems not only from prolonged heavy rainfall but also from the coordinated release of water from reservoirs. According to information from the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Khanh Hoa province, large reservoirs such as Hoa Son, Da Ban, Suoi Trau, Suoi Dau, Cam Ranh, Suoi Hanh, and Ta Ruc are currently releasing water simultaneously at significant volumes.
This, coupled with strong currents from upstream, caused a sudden rise in the water level of the Cai River in Nha Trang, resulting in severe flooding downstream. Areas along the Cai River and low-lying roads were most severely affected, facing the risk of flash floods and landslides.
Authorities had to use rafts and specialized equipment to evacuate people from heavily flooded areas.
Given the complex situation, Khanh Hoa province has issued an emergency flood warning. The evacuation of residents from vulnerable areas is being carried out urgently. Authorities have had to use life rafts and specialized equipment to reach and rescue people from deeply flooded areas, even rescuing those who had to climb onto rooftops to seek help.
In key communes such as Nam Cam Ranh, Tay Khanh Vinh, and Cam Lam, severe flooding has caused some houses to have their roofs blown off and kitchens to collapse. Local authorities are on duty 24/7 at hotspots, setting up warning checkpoints and organizing the evacuation of residents to ensure absolute safety.
The release of floodwaters combined with heavy rain from upstream has caused even more severe flooding in the downstream areas of the Cai River in Nha Trang.
According to the Khanh Hoa Provincial Meteorological and Hydrological Station, the weather situation remains complex. It is forecast that Khanh Hoa will continue to experience moderate to heavy rain, with some areas experiencing very heavy rain, on the night of November 18th and the morning of November 19th.
Widespread rainfall is expected to reach 100-150mm, with some areas exceeding 200mm. The rain will be concentrated in the south before gradually shifting northward. Residents and local authorities are advised to remain highly vigilant, not to be complacent about any developments of the natural disaster, and to strictly adhere to evacuation instructions from relevant authorities. Nha Trang is experiencing its most difficult moments, as the battle against the natural disaster is far from over.
