HUE/HOI AN, Vietnam – Central Vietnam is grappling with a historic natural disaster after days of relentless, record-breaking rainfall triggered catastrophic flooding and deadly landslides, leaving at least 28 people dead and six still missing as of the latest reports. The deluge, described by residents as the worst in decades, has devastated homes, agricultural land, and vital infrastructure across several provinces.
The former imperial capital of Hue and the ancient trading town of Hoi An, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, have been severely impacted. In Hue, rainfall reached a staggering 1,739 millimeters in 24 hours at one location—a volume that has been ranked as the second-highest daily total in global history. Floodwaters turned the streets of Hoi An into canals, with the Thu Bon River reaching levels that surpassed the historic high of 1964.
Authorities confirmed that over 133,000 houses were inundated at the peak of the flooding, forcing tens of thousands of residents to evacuate. While water levels have begun to recede in some areas, leaving behind a thick layer of mud, the damage is extensive. Key transport routes, including the North-South railway, were cut off for days, and over 80 locations on national highways remain blocked by landslides.
Rescue and relief efforts are being hampered by the scale of the destruction and forecasts of more heavy rain in the coming days. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has ordered emergency measures to speed up recovery, deploying troops and resources to deliver aid to isolated communities. Climate experts point to the intensity of the event as a stark warning of the growing threat of extreme weather events in a warming climate.
