Devastating Floods Ravage Central Vietnam, Claiming 41 Lives Amid Relentless Rains
Central Vietnam is grappling with the devastating aftermath of relentless torrential rains that have claimed at least 41 lives since the weekend, with search efforts still underway for nine individuals reported missing. The catastrophic deluge has wreaked havoc across multiple provinces, submerging over 52,000 homes and plunging half a million households and businesses into darkness due to widespread power outages.
Unprecedented Rainfall and Key Areas Affected
Rainfall levels have been unprecedented, exceeding 1.5 meters (5 feet) in several areas over the past three days. In some locations, floodwaters have even surpassed the 1993 peak, reaching a staggering 5.2 meters. The coastal cities of Hoi An and Nha Trang have borne the brunt of the disaster, experiencing severe flooding. The central highlands, a critical coffee production belt, is also struggling, as farmers face further setbacks following previous storms that already stalled harvests.
A History of Extreme Weather and Mounting Damages
This latest disaster compounds a period of extreme weather that has repeatedly battered Vietnam in recent months. Two typhoons, Kalmaegi and Bualoi, recently caused widespread death and destruction within weeks of each other. Government estimates indicate that natural disasters have inflicted damages totaling $2 billion across Vietnam between January and October this year alone.
Infrastructure Collapse and Emergency Response
Dramatic scenes have unfolded, captured in photographs showing residents stranded on rooftops as floodwaters crept into their homes. A harrowing video circulating online depicted a suspension bridge in Lam Dong province being violently torn from its anchors. Lam Dong has declared a state of emergency, battling extensive landslides that have severely damaged major roads and highways. The Mimosa Pass, a crucial entry route into the popular tourist city of Da Lat, completely collapsed into a ravine, halting all traffic and narrowly missing a bus.
Human Impact and Continuing Threat
Tens of thousands of residents have been evacuated from the flood-affected regions. Military personnel and police officers have been swiftly deployed to establish emergency shelters and facilitate the relocation of displaced people to safety. Bui Quoc Vinh, a restaurant owner in Nha Trang, expressed his despair to AFP, stating his shops were submerged by approximately a meter of water. "I am worried about our furniture in my restaurants and shops, but of course I cannot do anything now," he lamented, adding, "I don't think the water is going to recede soon, as the rain has not stopped." Authorities have issued warnings for moderate to heavy downpours to persist across central Vietnam at least through Sunday, signaling that the ordeal is far from over.