Central Vietnam is grappling with widespread devastation as a new wave of torrential rainfall has triggered severe flooding and deadly landslides since the weekend. The death toll has tragically climbed to 16, with five individuals still reported missing amidst rising water levels that have submerged towns and villages already struggling from previous deluges.
Unprecedented Rainfall and Extensive Damage
Over the past three days, parts of central Vietnam have experienced extraordinary rainfall, exceeding 1,500 millimeters. This extreme weather event has inflicted widespread damage across the region, which is historically prone to storms and floods despite being a vital hub for coffee production and home to popular tourist beaches.
The government's disaster management agency reports a grim picture: more than 43,000 houses have been inundated, and over 10,000 hectares of vital crops, including the ongoing coffee harvest, have been destroyed or severely impacted. The economic repercussions are significant, with traders noting the widespread flooding of coffee farms. Furthermore, over 553,000 households and businesses are enduring prolonged blackouts due to extensive damage to power grids.
Desperate Calls for Help and Ongoing Rescues
The human toll of the disaster is heartbreaking. State media has shared harrowing photographs depicting residents, including young children, stranded on rooftops, desperately signaling for aid. One resident from Khanh Hoa province posted a plea on social media, "Any group out there please help! We've been sitting on the roof since 10pm last night, including kids and adults," accompanying it with a stark image of their plight amidst the lashing rain.
Naval forces have been swiftly mobilized to assist citizens trapped by the rapidly ascending floodwaters in areas like Khanh Hoa, where water levels have reached record highs. Residential zones in Khanh Hoa, Gia Lai, and Dak Lak provinces are particularly affected, submerged under deep water.
Miraculous Rescue in Da Lat
Amidst the despair, a glimmer of hope emerged from Da Lat. A seven-year-old girl was miraculously rescued late Wednesday after being buried by a sudden landslide. The Nhan Dan newspaper reported that heavy rains triggered the landslide, which partially destroyed the house she was in. Rescuers, working tirelessly for 90 minutes, managed to pull her from the debris of soil, rock, and concrete. She sustained a broken leg but is now in stable condition at the hospital.
Continued Threat of Severe Weather
The national weather forecast agency has issued a stern warning, indicating that heavy rain is expected to persist in the region, threatening further flooding and landslides. Communities across central Vietnam remain on high alert as they brace for more adverse conditions and continue recovery efforts from the catastrophic flooding.