Severe flooding and torrential rains in central Vietnam have resulted in the tragic loss of at least 41 lives since the weekend. Emergency responders are currently searching for nine individuals who remain unaccounted for. More than 52,000 homes are under water, with approximately half a million households and businesses facing power outages. Authorities have evacuated tens of thousands of residents to safer locations.
In some areas, rainfall has surpassed 1.5 meters (5 feet) over the last three days, overtaking the record flood levels seen in 1993 in certain regions. The coastal cities of Hoi An and Nha Trang, along with crucial coffee-producing areas in the central highlands, have been hit the hardest. Farmers in Dak Lak province, Vietnam’s largest coffee cultivation zone, are facing substantial losses due to prior storm damage.
The country has encountered extreme weather this year, with natural disasters inflicting roughly $2 billion in damages from January to October. Recent typhoons, Kalmaegi and Bualoi, have also resulted in fatalities and destruction in recent months.
Military and police units have been deployed to establish emergency shelters and assist in the evacuation process. Many main roads and highways suffered damage from landslides; in Lam Dong province, a segment of the Mimosa Pass collapsed, disrupting traffic and causing a bus to narrowly escape falling into the ravine. Eyewitness accounts and media footage illustrate individuals stranded on rooftops and bridges torn loose.
Business owners are facing challenges as floodwaters inundate their establishments. A restaurant owner in Nha Trang expressed his concerns, stating, “I am worried about our furniture in my restaurants and shops, but of course I cannot do anything now. I don’t expect the water to recede soon since the rains continue.”
Earlier this month, Typhoon Kalmaegi claimed at least five lives in central Vietnam due to its powerful winds that uprooted trees and damaged homes. In September, Typhoon Bualoi led to 11 fatalities in central and northern Vietnam. Experts caution that climate change is amplifying the intensity and frequency of typhoons in the region.
As authorities remain vigilant, they have issued warnings of continued heavy rainfall through at least Sunday, urging residents to stay alert and adhere to evacuation instructions.
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