Tropical Storm Koto Causes Fatalities and Disruption in Vietnam

Tropical Storm Koto has resulted in at least three fatalities and left one person missing as it approached the Vietnamese coastline. Authorities reported on Sunday, November 30, 2023, that strong winds and high seas significantly impacted vessels along the central coast, which is already reeling from recent flooding.

With heavy rains affecting Vietnam’s middle belt for weeks, historic sites and popular tourist destinations have experienced extensive damage, amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars. In response to the severe conditions, local authorities ordered boats to return to shore and diverted dozens of flights to ensure public safety.

The environment ministry confirmed that two vessels sank due to the storm’s treacherous conditions: a fishing boat in Khanh Hoa province and a smaller raft in Lam Dong. The ministry continues to search for the missing individual while assessing the situation.

Storm’s Path and Expected Impact

As of Sunday morning, Koto was located over 300 kilometers offshore and had been downgraded from a typhoon to a tropical storm. The Vietnamese weather bureau indicated that Koto is moving slowly and is expected to weaken further before making landfall next week. Forecasts predict rainfall of up to 150 millimeters on Tuesday and Wednesday, particularly impacting regions from Hue to Khanh Hoa, which have only recently recovered from severe flooding.

Vietnam lies in one of the world’s most active tropical cyclone regions, typically experiencing about ten typhoons or storms each year. Koto marks the 15th storm to affect the country in 2023. According to the national statistics office, natural disasters this year have resulted in over 400 fatalities or missing persons and inflicted more than US$3 billion in damages.

Climate Change and Increasing Vulnerability

The Southeast Asian nation is especially susceptible to heavy rainfall during the months of June through September. However, scientists have noted a troubling trend: human-driven climate change is intensifying the frequency and destructiveness of extreme weather events. As Koto unfolds, authorities remain vigilant, working to mitigate further risks and protect vulnerable communities.

As the storm approaches, the Vietnamese government continues to prioritize public safety, urging residents to remain informed and prepared for the potential impacts of Koto.