Vietnam Flooding Toll Rises to 55 Amid Ongoing Rescue Efforts

HANOI: Rescue teams in Vietnam are urgently trying to locate more than a dozen individuals still unaccounted for following a week of intense flooding that has resulted in at least 55 fatalities, local authorities reported on Saturday (Nov 22). The deluge has affected numerous provinces across south-central Vietnam, leading to widespread devastation and prompting residents to evacuate from submerged homes and landslide-prone zones.

Persistent heavy rainfall since late October has severely impacted the area, affecting both well-known tourist spots and isolated communities. Coastal cities like Nha Trang faced total inundation over extensive blocks, while mountainous regions near the Da Lat tourist area experienced deadly landslides. The hardest-hit zone appears to be Dak Lak province in the highlands, where over two dozen deaths have been recorded.

Rescue workers are tirelessly assisting those stranded, some of whom remain on rooftops or trapped in trees as floodwaters consume their neighborhoods. Despite the water levels beginning to fall, many roads and highways are still blocked, rendering several towns inaccessible. Over 300,000 individuals are currently without power following a blackout that initially affected more than a million residents.

The Vietnamese environment ministry confirmed the total number of fatalities due to flooding across six provinces has reached 55, with 13 individuals still missing. Search-and-rescue operations are ongoing, with authorities urging residents to comply with safety directives and stay in secure locations until conditions improve.

The frequency of natural disasters in Vietnam has been rising, with officials linking the increase in extreme weather events to climate change. National figures indicate that from January to October this year, floods, storms, and other catastrophes have resulted in 279 deaths or disappearances, incurring damages exceeding US$2 billion nationally.

Government officials are collaborating with local entities and disaster response teams to distribute emergency resources, including food, water, and temporary shelters, to affected areas. Residents are being evacuated from at-risk locations to prevent further landslides and flash floods.

The recurring flooding has raised alarms about its long-term effects on Vietnam’s infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism industry. Authorities are keeping a close watch on meteorological patterns, as additional rainfall is anticipated in some regions in the forthcoming days.

Vietnamese leaders are urging citizens to remain alert and follow emergency protocols, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation to mitigate further casualties and property damage.