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Vietnam is reconsidering its approach to managing floods after suffering from a relentless series of storms that have caused severe damage to both urban and rural areas. The past year saw hillsides collapse and large parts of cities submerged under water. To tackle this, the government is focusing on identifying high-risk areas and promoting the development of "sponge cities"—urban zones designed to naturally absorb and release water. Under a national master plan running through 2030, over $6 billion has been allocated to improve early-warning systems and relocate vulnerable communities to safer grounds.
In smaller cities like Vinh in central Vietnam, new flood mitigation efforts are already being implemented. These include expanding drainage networks, creating flood basins, and transforming riverbanks into green spaces that can soak up excess rainwater and then gradually release it. This year’s barrage of storms, including Ragasa, Bualoi, and Matmo, has exposed the urgent need for such measures. The storms brought record rainfall, turning streets into rivers and triggering landslides with barely any recovery time between events.
Experts warn that this pattern of intense storms is likely to continue, driven by climate change. Ocean temperatures are now nearly 1 degree Celsius warmer than pre-industrial levels, resulting in storms that form faster, last longer, and bring heavier rainfall. These changes hit the poorest communities the hardest. According to Benjamin Horton, an earth science professor at City University of Hong Kong, Vietnam and its neighbors are on the front lines of climate disruption.
Economically, the toll of extreme weather in Vietnam is significant. Floods disrupt agriculture, fisheries, and factories—key pillars of the nation's economy. State media estimate that climate-related disasters cost Vietnam about $1.4 billion in 2025 alone. The government anticipates needing to invest between $55 billion and $92 billion over the coming decade to adapt to and manage climate impacts.
Vietnam’s largest cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, are particularly vulnerable. Both lie on river deltas that once provided natural flood protection. However, rapid urbanization has replaced wetlands and farmland with concrete, reducing the cities’ ability to absorb heavy rains. In October, Hanoi experienced flooding that lingered for nearly a week in some neighborhoods. The city’s drainage system, much of which dates back to colonial times, was overwhelmed, leaving streets submerged and residents stranded.
Many water bodies in Hanoi have disappeared over recent decades. A study by Kyoto University noted that from 1986 to 1996, during a construction boom, nearly two-thirds of the ponds and lakes in Hanoi’s core districts vanished. Between 2015 and 2020 alone, the city lost water bodies equivalent to the size of 285 soccer fields. Currently, more than 75% of Hanoi's area is at risk of flooding, including heavily populated central districts.
Experts argue that simply building more infrastructure won’t solve the problem. Instead, cities must learn to coexist with water. Hong Ngoc Nguyen, an environmental engineer involved in a 2024 study, points to Singapore's transformation from concrete canals to greener riverbanks that slow and hold stormwater rather than rush it away. This approach is gaining global momentum, with cities like Bengaluru in India and Johannesburg in South Africa also working to restore natural water systems.
Vietnam’s recent crises have sparked broader discussions on urban water management. Former National Institute of Urban and Rural Planning director Ngo Trung Hai emphasized the need for long-term strategies that acknowledge heavy rainfall as a new norm. European business groups have urged Ho Chi Minh City to adopt sponge-city concepts. Meanwhile, property developers face criticism for building on low-lying land and ignoring proper stormwater drainage.
Some developers are beginning to adapt. For example, Sun Group in the coastal city of Nha Trang is constructing a new township featuring 60 hectares of wetlands designed to capture and reuse rainwater, reduce flooding, and mitigate heat. Urban planners emphasize the importance of forecasting future climate risks rather than relying on past experience to ensure resilience.
In sum, Vietnam’s growing climate challenges demand a rethink of flood management strategies, combining large-scale investments, innovative urban design, and community relocation efforts to build a more flood-resilient future.
