Central Vietnam is facing dire conditions as relentless rains lead to catastrophic flooding, resulting in the death of at least 41 individuals since the weekend. Rescue efforts are ongoing for an estimated nine people who remain missing as officials continue to assess the devastation.
The floods have inundated more than 52,000 homes, leaving approximately 500,000 households and businesses without power. Tens of thousands of residents have been evacuated from the most affected areas, including coastal cities like Hoi An and Nha Trang, as well as significant coffee-producing regions.
Recent rainfall has reached alarming levels, exceeding 1.5 meters (5 feet) in many areas, surpassing the peak recorded during the floods of 1993. The situation has been exacerbated by prior extreme weather events, including Typhoon Kalmaegi and Typhoon Bualoi, which caused extensive damage earlier this year.
Government reports estimate that natural disasters in Vietnam have cost around $2 billion (approximately £1.5 billion) between January and October 2025. The province of Dak Lak, known for its substantial coffee production, has seen tens of thousands of homes submerged, with farmers already suffering from harvest delays due to previous storms.
As weather conditions are expected to remain severe through the week, authorities have implemented emergency measures, mobilizing military troops and police for evacuation and establishing emergency shelters. Major roads and highways have sustained damage from landslides, and critical routes, like the Mimosa Pass, have collapsed.
Visuals from the region depict harrowing scenes of stranded residents clinging to roofs and communities grappling with rising floodwaters. Local business owners express concerns over their properties and resources as the water continues to rise.
With climate change intensifying the impact of extreme weather, experts warn that storms will become increasingly severe, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable environmental strategies.
