Topical Storm Saudel brings increased concern to Vietnam and Cambodia

Since early October, the Lower Mekong region has experienced heavy rains that have caused widespread flooding and landslides in several provinces of Vietnam and Cambodia, as well as in several areas of Laos and Thailand.  Because of flooding across south east Asia in October, at least 132 people have died and over 110,000 people have been displaced. Flood waters in Laos and Thailand are receding, whilst the situation in Vietnam and Cambodia remains challenging and may deteriorate further as more rainfall is forecasted in the coming days due to Tropical Storm Saudel.  It is expected to affect Vietnam, which has been devastated by recent flooding and tropical weather.

Tropical Storm Saudel is the 17th tropical storm and seventh typhoon of the the 2020 Pacific typhoon season.  Tropical Storm Saudel formed from a tropical weather disturbance east of the Philippines, which grew and then crossed the Philippines as a tropical storm. Tropical Storm Saudel flooded roads and buildings in the Philippines. Once the system emerged into the South China Sea, it began to rapidly intensify, becoming a typhoon early on 22 October. On 24 October, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a severe tropical storm advisory on Tropical Storm Saudel and expected winds of up to 111 km/hr.

Other tropical storms to impact south east Asia in recent weeks have included  Tropical Storm Linfa, which affected the region from 10 to 13 October, killing 90 people in Vietnam. On 14 October, Tropical Storm Nangka killed four people and displacing thousands. On 17 October Tropical Depression Ofel caused flooding and damage the northern and central part of Vietnam.