Tropical Storm Koto's Impact: Three Dead, One Missing in Flood-Hit Vietnam
Vietnam is once again grappling with the severe impact of a tropical weather system, as Tropical Storm Koto claimed at least three lives and left another person missing on November 30, 2025. The storm, though downgraded from a typhoon, unleashed powerful winds and treacherous seas off Vietnam's central coast, already battered by weeks of relentless rainfall and extensive flooding.
Immediate Casualties and Disruption
The environment ministry confirmed that two vessels succumbed to the rough conditions: a fishing boat in Khanh Hoa province and a smaller raft in Lam Dong. This tragic incident underscores the immediate dangers posed by Koto. Authorities had proactively issued warnings, ordering all boats back to shore and diverting numerous flights to mitigate risks.
Widespread Damage and Mounting Costs
Weeks prior to Koto's arrival, Vietnam's middle belt endured deluges that submerged historic landmarks and popular tourist spots. The cumulative damage from these recent events, combined with Koto's wrath, is estimated to run into hundreds of millions of dollars. The nation's statistics office reports a grim tally for 2025, with over 400 individuals dead or missing due to natural disasters, resulting in an astounding US$3 billion (S$3.89 billion) in economic losses.
Storm's Trajectory and Future Outlook
As of November 30, Koto lingered more than 300 kilometers offshore, slowly moving and expected to further weaken before making landfall sometime next week. The national weather bureau forecasts heavy rainfall, up to 150mm, for December 2 and 3, particularly impacting regions like Hue and Khanh Hoa, which are still recovering from historic floods.
Vietnam's Vulnerability and Climate Change Link
Vietnam, situated in one of the world's most cyclone-prone zones, typically experiences around ten typhoons or storms annually. However, 2025 has proven exceptionally harsh, with Koto marking the fifteenth such event. Scientists are increasingly highlighting a clear link between human-driven climate change and the escalating frequency and destructive power of extreme weather phenomena, making the nation's struggle against nature's fury ever more challenging.