Relentless flooding in central Vietnam has claimed 90 lives, while 12 more remain missing, the Environment Ministry confirmed. The devastating deluge has left communities reeling, testing the resilience of both rural and highland regions.
A Nation Under Water
Since late October, torrential rains have battered Vietnam’s central coast and highlands, triggering widespread floods and landslides. Authorities say the worst-affected region is Dak Lak Province, where more than 60 deaths have been reported. Anadolu Ajansı+2VnExpress Internasional+2
Coastal Khanh Hoa — home to the city of Nha Trang — has suffered severely too, with flooding submerging whole neighborhoods and cutting transport lines. The Star+2VnExpress Internasional+2
Scale of the Devastation
The floodwaters have damaged at least 1,154 homes, devastating communities across several provinces. VnExpress Internasional
Power outages surged at the peak of the crisis — around 1.2 million households were left without electricity, and by the time the water receded, approximately 257,000 homes were still without power, disrupting communication lines and hampering rescue efforts. VnExpress Internasional+1
Economically, the disaster has inflicted a staggering blow. Officials estimate losses at nearly VND 9 trillion (around US$341 million), factoring in damaged homes, infrastructure, and destroyed crops. VnExpress Internasional+1
The Human Cost
In Dak Lak, many rural families have seen their homes completely wiped out by mud and surging waters. One farmer told AFP that he and his wife were stranded on their corrugated-metal rooftop for two nights, watching helplessly as mud swallowed their surroundings. NST Online
Landslides — triggered by the deluge — have also claimed lives, especially along highland passes near Da Lat and other mountainous areas. The Star
Rescue and Response
Vietnamese authorities have mobilized military, police, and disaster response forces, deploying boats, helicopters, and ground teams to reach isolated hamlets. Anadolu Ajansı+1
Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has ordered urgent relief measures and allocated emergency funds to affected regions. PNA
What’s Driving the Floods?
Meteorologists point to a combination of persistent rains, tropical disturbances, and climate-driven volatility as the root causes. The Guardian+1
Some experts warn that such extreme flooding — coming in repeated, punishing waves — could become more common if climate patterns continue to intensify.
The Road Ahead
Recovery will be long and arduous. Beyond rescue operations, Vietnam faces the enormous challenge of rebuilding devastated communities, restoring infrastructure, and supporting displaced families.
Many affected residents are calling for stronger long-term flood management, including better early-warning systems, reinforced embankments, and sustainable land-use planning to withstand future downpours.
