Nghe An proactively prepares for and combats El Nino.
The 2026 El Nino phenomenon is developing in a complex manner, bringing with it a paradox: little rain, but very heavy and intense rainfall. Facing the risk of extreme weather potentially extending into 2027, Nghe An province is urgently reviewing the safety of its dam system and preparing disaster prevention plans in advance. The highest priority is to absolutely avoid being caught off guard and to protect the lives and property of its people.
El Nino causes extreme weather patterns.
Entering the final months of 2026, the weather in Nghe An is predicted to experience extreme fluctuations. According to Mr. Tang Van An, Deputy Director of the Nghe An Meteorological and Hydrological Station, the ENSO phenomenon is currently in the El Nino phase, with sea surface temperatures in the central equatorial Pacific Ocean in mid-July 2026 being 1.3°C higher than the multi-year average. El Nino is predicted to continue in the final months of 2026 and early 2027 with a 95% probability and a tendency to intensify. In particular, the probability of a very strong El Nino occurring could reach 60-65% between November 2026 and January 2027.
This is an extremely high temperature anomaly, signaling the risk of a prolonged period of extreme weather. The most obvious consequence is that temperatures will be higher than the average of previous years. Intense heatwaves are likely to last longer, increasing drought conditions and wildfires. More worryingly, overall rainfall is forecast to be 20% to 40% lower than usual. The rainy season may end early, causing a significant drop in water levels in major rivers. This situation directly threatens water resources for domestic use and agricultural production on a large scale.
However, the most dangerous aspect of this year's El Nino phenomenon is the appearance of extreme weather patterns. "The decrease in total rainfall does not mean there will be no heavy rains. Due to the complex impacts of climate change, Nghe An province faces the risk of being affected by extreme, high-intensity heavy rainfall in a short period, as well as the risk of unusually strong storms, causing flash floods and serious landslides," Mr. Tang Van An emphasized.
In fact, when weather disturbances such as tropical depressions or storms occur, rain will pour down extremely heavily in a very short period of time. Rainfall can reach 100-200mm in just a few hours, causing urban flooding and dramatically increasing the risk of flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas. This requires disaster forecasting and prevention efforts to be more flexible than ever.
Comprehensive review and protection of dam safety.
In anticipation of El Nino, the Provincial People's Committee has issued urgent directives, requiring all sectors and localities to closely monitor weather developments. The focus of current disaster prevention efforts is ensuring the absolute safety of thousands of dams and irrigation reservoirs, as well as the people in affected areas. Heavy, continuous rainfall could cause water levels in reservoirs to surge overnight, putting immense pressure on the dam structures.
To proactively respond, a working group from the Provincial People's Committee, along with relevant departments and agencies, recently conducted on-site inspections of numerous key irrigation projects and vulnerable areas. At flood drainage dams, authorities were instructed to operate precisely to release water promptly and prevent flooding downstream. For riverbank areas showing signs of dangerous erosion, local authorities must have plans ready to evacuate residents immediately in the event of heavy rain.
According to Mr. Nguyen Truong Thanh, Head of the Irrigation Sub-Department, the current challenge is to both calculate and retain water resources to combat future droughts, while also operating floodgates safely and resolutely preventing incidents during heavy and continuous rainfall. The Sub-Department has advised the Provincial People's Committee to review all reservoirs and dams in the area. Management units have been strictly instructed not to accumulate water to avoid risks at weak structures. At the same time, patrol and guard forces are maintained at reservoirs 24/7, ensuring the "four on-the-spot" principle to be ready to handle any incidents immediately.
Activate prevention measures at the grassroots level.
Natural disasters are becoming increasingly extreme and unpredictable. Forecasts indicate that heavy rainfall could lead to a range of risks such as urban flooding, flash floods, landslides in mountainous areas, and the potential for tornadoes, lightning, and hailstorms. In response, local authorities have proactively activated disaster prevention and mitigation plans.
In Yen Hoa mountainous commune, which suffered heavy damage from natural disasters in 2025, the commune has developed a response plan. Emphasis is placed on early warning through the public address system and neighborhood groups. Households at risk of flash floods and landslides are being reviewed to prepare for relocation; schools and health stations are being reinforced. Ms. Tran Thi Sen, Head of the Economic Department of the Commune People's Committee, stated: "The commune adheres to the principle of prevention being paramount, responding early and proactively to minimize damage."
In the coastal area, Cua Lo ward is also urgently implementing comprehensive plans to respond to heavy rain, storms, and high tides. They are thoroughly reviewing areas at risk of insecurity, such as coastal and riverside areas, and hilly areas prone to landslides in the former Nghi Tan ward; clearing urban drainage systems, dikes, and embankments. In particular, they are coordinating closely with the Cua Lo - Ben Thuy Border Guard Station to manage boat activities and urge fishermen to seek safe shelter.
Mr. Nguyen Van Hung, Vice Chairman of the Ward People's Committee, said: "Although we are currently in the process of consolidating personnel after the merger of the blocks, the Ward People's Committee is committed to completing the Disaster Prevention and Response Task Force before August 15, 2026, maintaining a 24/7 presence to handle any arising situations."
To safely navigate the severe weather, local authorities advise residents to regularly check weather forecasts on mass media. Absolutely avoid traveling across flooded underpasses, bridges, or roads with strong currents. Each family should also proactively reinforce their homes, protect their property, and be prepared to cooperate with authorities in relocating to safe areas when notified. With thorough preparation and careful early assessment, Nghe An province is striving to proactively and effectively respond to any unusual weather developments.
