U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City (October 26, 2020)
Location: Central Mainland Provinces
Event: Typhoon Molave and Storm Season Preparedness in Vietnam
The U.S. Embassy in Hanoi and Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City alert U.S. citizens to Typhone Molave, which is expected to make landfall on Wednesday, October 28th between Da Nang and Phu Yen before weakening into a tropical depression. The storm is expected to pack 90 mile per hour winds and could trigger prolonged flooding and extreme rainfall. Recent storms in Vietnam have resulted in widespread flooding, landslides, and loss of life in the central region.
The typhoon season in Vietnam runs from approximately June 1 through the end of November, while the tropical cyclone season typically runs from November 1 to April 30. If you are a U.S. Citizen traveling or residing in Vietnam, you may enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety messages and other travel information. During the approach of a typhoon you should monitor the U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center and the Vietnam National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.
Actions to Take:
You should have an emergency plan in place before the approach of a storm. Even areas far from the coastline can experience dangerous winds, tornadoes, mudslides, and floods. Please take precautionary measures to ensure minimal disruption or damage and have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance. You should also contact friends and family in the United States with updates on your whereabouts.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program state.gov
- Locate shelter and follow all official instructions, including evacuation if ordered.
- Carry your travel documents at all times (i.e., U.S. passport, birth certificate, picture ID’s, etc.) or secure them in a safe, waterproof location.
- Secure loose outdoor items (limbs, roofing material, windows (coverings), doors, debris (trash), etc.).
- Fill vehicle, generator, and water tanks.
- Check and charge radios.
- Charge cell phones and carry your charger.
- Have bottled water; make ice.
- Gather flashlights, tools, and first aid supplies.
- Have fresh batteries, candles, matches, water, groceries (canned and/or dry foods), and pet supplies.
- Assure an adequate supply of first aid materials and prescription medications.
- Stay home and let your family and office know how you plan to weather the storm, especially those family members in the United States.
- Monitor our website or travel.state.gov or follow us on Facebook and Twitter at @travelgov. We will issue updated messages and information specific to the circumstances.
- Prepare your family and home for flooding and power outages.
General Disaster Preparedness Websites:
- U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs Emergencies Abroad website– general information and resources for U.S. citizens experiencing an emergency outside of the United States.
- U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs Natural Disasters website– general information and resources pertaining to natural disasters.
- U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Ready website – general information and resources for emergency preparedness
- American Red Cross – Member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Hanoi 024-3850-5000 | U.S. Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City 028-3520-4200
- State Department, Consular Affairs, 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security, travel, and weather or disaster-related updates.
- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
