The death toll continues to rise in Southeast Asia following severe flooding and landslides triggered by heavy rains. In Vietnam, the fatalities have reached 91, with eleven individuals still reported missing. The floods have impacted a vast area stretching 800 kilometers along the central region, primarily affecting the provinces of Dak Lak, Khanh Hoa, and Lam Dong.
In Dak Lak, the hardest-hit province, 63 people lost their lives, primarily due to drowning. Rescue efforts are underway, with helicopters deployed to deliver food and aid to those stranded as many roads remain impassable.
Residents in Nha Trang, a popular tourist destination, have begun the cleanup process after the floodwaters receded. Many reported unprecedented levels of rainfall, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to such natural disasters. Economic damages from the flooding are estimated at around $500 million, with significant destruction to crops, particularly in coffee-growing areas.
As the rains persist, Vietnam’s weather agency has warned of ongoing risks and the formation of a new tropical depression, which could exacerbate the already dire situation.
In neighboring Thailand, torrential rains have led to flash flooding affecting nearly two million people, resulting in five deaths and multiple injuries across six southern provinces. The city of Hat Yai recorded over 335 millimeters of rain in a single day, complicating evacuation efforts.
Meanwhile, Malaysia is grappling with its own flooding crisis, affecting over 12,500 individuals across nine states, with the northeastern state of Kelantan being the most severely impacted.
