Tropical Storms Cause Flash Floods in Vietnam, China, Philippines

Tropical Depression Son Tinh, Tropical Storm Ampil and Tropical Depression Josie led to flooding and loss of life in Vietnam, China and the Philippines over the weekend. In Vietnam, 21 people died in the wake of Tropical Depression Son Tinh due to flash floods and landslides. In China, Tropical Storm Amphil led to the evacuation of more than 190,000 people. Furthermore, in the Philippines, Tropical Depression Josie led to two deaths and the evacuation of more than 728,000 people. As monsoon season continues, countries across Asia are bracing for more severe floods and landslides. 

The devastation in Vietnam wrought by Tropical Depression Son Tinh submerged villages in the northern provinces of Thanh Hoa and Yen Bai. With 21 reported dead, many people are still missing and search and rescue efforts are underway. During the storm’s peak, winds reached up to 32 mph at 10 a.m. July 22. CNN Meteorologist Derek Van Dam estimated rainfall could approach nearly 20 in. across northern Vietnam and southern China over the next few days. This was the third tropical storm to hit Vietnam this year.

In eastern China, more than 190,000 people were evacuated before Tropical Storm Amphil made landfall July 22. High winds caused airlines to delay and cancel flights. Rainfall is expected to reach up to 12 in. in some areas.

In the Philippines, Tropical Depression Josie and heavy rains led to two deaths and the evacuation of more than 728,000 people. According to the Philippines News Agency, 585 villages have been affected by heavy rain and there is 6 to 7 in. of flooding in metro Manila, the capital of the Philippines. Tropical Depression Josie was the tenth tropical cyclone to hit the Philippines this year.