Vietnam Flooding Claims 90 Lives Amid Ongoing Rain and Landslides

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Vietnam has reported that the death toll from the recent severe flooding has reached 90, with an additional 12 individuals reported missing. This comes after several days of relentless rainfall and devastating landslides that have struck various parts of the country.

The downpour has affected south-central Vietnam since late October, leading to multiple flooding events in popular tourist destinations. According to reports, rainfall in some areas has exceeded 1,900 millimetres (approximately 74.8 inches) in a single week. The central region, recognised as a significant coffee production area and a hub for tourism, has been particularly vulnerable to extreme weather conditions.

The mountainous province of Dak Lak has experienced the highest number of fatalities, with more than 60 deaths recorded since November 16. The environment ministry stated that tens of thousands of homes have been inundated due to the flooding.

In response to the crisis, rescue teams have been deployed in central provinces such as Gia Lai and Dak Lak, utilising boats to reach stranded residents. Efforts have included breaking windows and roofs to assist those trapped by rising waters. Rescue operations have also involved military and police forces to facilitate the relocation of affected individuals to safer areas.

Reports from the state-run Thanh Niên newspaper highlighted that in the coastal city of Quy Nhon in Binh Dinh province, health care facilities were severely impacted, with doctors and patients relying on instant noodles and limited water supplies for three days.

Recent measurements indicate that water levels in the Ba River in Dak Lak have surpassed a record set in 1993, while similar surges have been observed in the Cai River in Khánh Hòa province, according to the local weather bureau.

The Vietnamese disaster management agency has reported that over 235,000 homes have been flooded, and nearly 80,000 hectares of agricultural land have sustained damage. The economic impact of the flooding is estimated at approximately 8.98 trillion dong (around $341 million).

Between January and October of this year, extreme weather events in Vietnam have resulted in 279 fatalities or missing persons and inflicted damages exceeding $2 billion, as per the national statistics office. While the country typically experiences heavy rainfall between June and September, there is growing concern that climate change is contributing to the increasing frequency and severity of such weather events.

"The devastation we are witnessing highlights the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness and response strategies in light of climate change impacts," said a government spokesperson.

As Vietnam continues to grapple with these challenges, authorities are prioritising the provision of essential supplies and aid to affected communities.