The death toll from a week of flooding and record rainfall in central Vietnam has risen to 40, as authorities brace for another powerful storm approaching the already battered region.
Vietnam’s central belt has been inundated by torrential rains, transforming streets into canals, overflowing riverbanks, and flooding some of the country’s most famous historical sites, including the ancient city of Hoi An and the imperial city of Hue. In one dramatic instance, up to 1.7 meters (5 feet 6 inches) of rain fell in just 24 hours, breaking national records and overwhelming local infrastructure.
The fatalities have been reported across multiple provinces, including Hue, Da Nang, Lam Dong, and Quang Tri, according to the disaster management agency. Additionally, six individuals are still reported missing, prompting search and rescue operations in the affected areas.
The onslaught of extreme weather is expected to continue, with Typhoon Kalmaegi forecast to make landfall early Friday morning. The national weather bureau warns that the storm could bring winds of up to 166 kilometers per hour (100 miles per hour), exacerbating the already dire situation.
Vietnam typically experiences heavy rains from June to September; however, recent scientific evidence indicates that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. On average, about ten typhoons or tropical storms affect Vietnam each year; Typhoon Kalmaegi will be the 13th storm of 2025.
Currently, the storm is impacting the Philippines, where it has already claimed at least two lives and displaced hundreds of thousands. As it approaches Vietnam, officials are concerned about the potential for widespread destruction.
In the aftermath of last week’s extreme weather, many remote areas remain isolated due to landslides blocking roads. Nearly 80,000 homes are still flooded, leaving families stranded and in desperate need of assistance. More than 10,000 hectares (25,000 acres) of crops have been destroyed, significantly impacting local agriculture, while over 68,000 cattle have died, further straining the livelihoods of farmers.
Local authorities are working tirelessly to provide relief to those affected, but the scale of the disaster poses significant challenges. Emergency services are on high alert, and evacuations are being planned in anticipation of the approaching typhoon.
