Relentless rains and flooding in central Vietnam have resulted in the deaths of at least 41 individuals, with nine people still reported missing, according to state media. The floods have affected over 52,000 homes, leaving approximately half a million households without power. Recent rainfall in some areas has exceeded 1.5 meters, surpassing the height of past floods, including a peak of 5.2 meters recorded in 1993.
The coastal cities of Hoi An and Nha Trang have been among the hardest hit, as well as a key coffee-producing region in the central highlands, where farmers are already dealing with difficulties from previous storms that stalled their harvest. This extreme weather follows two typhoons earlier in the year—Kalmaegi and Bualoi—that caused considerable destruction and loss of life. Reports suggest that natural disasters in Vietnam have led to damages estimated at $2 billion from January to October of this year.
Footage from local media shows residents stranded as floodwaters encroach upon their homes, while a recently circulated video depicts damage to a suspension bridge in Lam Dong province. Major roads and highways have been affected, prompting the province to declare a state of emergency. Traffic was completely disrupted when part of the Mimosa Pass collapsed, a key route to the tourist city of Da Lat.
Evacuations are underway, with military personnel and police establishing emergency shelters to assist affected residents. One restaurant owner in Nha Trang reported that his establishment was submerged by nearly a meter of water, expressing concerns for the loss of furniture and the ongoing risk posed by the persistent rainfall. Authorities continue to warn of expected heavy downpours in the region through at least Sunday.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ceq0q3e2j17o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss