Vietnam flood death toll rises to 35: disaster agency

Central Vietnam has been hit hard by record-breaking rains and severe floods this week, resulting in the deaths of 35 people, according to officials from the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority (VDDMA). The disaster agency also reported that five individuals remain missing as the relentless downpour continues to impact the region. Since last weekend, coastal provinces of Vietnam have been battered by heavy rainfall, with some areas recording up to 1.7 meters (about 5 feet 6 inches) of rain over a 24-hour period covering Sunday and Monday. The fatalities were mainly reported in the provinces of Hue, Da Nang, Lam Dong, and Quang Tri. One of the most severely affected areas is the ancient town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where floodwaters reached waist height. Residents there have been forced to navigate the submerged streets using wooden boats after a major local river overflowed to levels not seen in 60 years. Chuong Nguyen, a Hoi An resident, expressed shock at the severity of the flooding, saying that although people prepared for the flood, the water rose far beyond their expectations, leaving many homes and belongings damaged. The disaster has had a devastating impact on infrastructure and agriculture as well. Over 16,500 houses are currently flooded, and more than 40,000 poultry and livestock have been swept away. Additionally, over 5,300 hectares (approximately 13,000 acres) of cropland are underwater, dealing a significant blow to local farmers. Earlier in the week, the environment ministry reported that more than 100,000 houses had been flooded, and over 150 landslides had been triggered by the intense rainfall. Scientists have linked the increasing frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events to human-driven climate change, which exacerbates storms and flooding. Vietnam lies in one of the world’s most cyclone-prone regions, typically experiencing about ten typhoons or tropical storms annually between June and September. However, this year has already seen 12 such storms affecting the country either directly or offshore. The toll from natural disasters in Vietnam has been particularly heavy this year, with storms, floods, and landslides causing 187 deaths or missing persons in the first nine months alone. The economic damage is also staggering, with government estimates placing losses at over $610 million. The ongoing floods in central Vietnam only add to this grim tally, highlighting the urgent need for better disaster preparedness and climate adaptation strategies. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as rain persists, and efforts to assist affected communities are underway. However, the widespread damage and displacement underline the vulnerability of the region to increasingly severe weather phenomena driven by climate change.