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Floods and Landslides Devastate Central Vietnam, Killing 41
At least 41 people have died in central Vietnam since the weekend due to relentless rains and severe flooding, with nine others still missing, according to state media reports. The disaster has submerged over 52,000 homes and left half a million households and businesses without electricity, forcing tens of thousands to evacuate.
Rainfall in some areas has surpassed 1.5 meters (5 feet) in just three days, exceeding the historic 1993 flood peak of 5.2 meters in certain locations. The downpour has crippled infrastructure, triggered landslides, and disrupted daily life across the region.
Coffee Belt and Tourist Hubs Among Worst-Hit Areas
The coastal cities of Hoi An and Nha Trang, along with Vietnam's central highlands-a key coffee-producing region-have borne the brunt of the flooding. In Dak Lak, the country's largest coffee-growing province, thousands of homes remain underwater, compounding losses from earlier storms that stalled harvests.
Vietnam ranks among the world's top exporters of robusta coffee, a bitter bean used in instant coffee and espresso blends. Farmers, already struggling from previous typhoon damage, now face further setbacks as floodwaters delay recovery efforts.
Infrastructure Collapses, Rescues Underway
Landslides have severed critical roads, including a section of the Mimosa Pass, a vital route to the tourist city of Da Lat, which collapsed into a ravine. A bus narrowly avoided plunging into the gap, according to AFP. Authorities have declared a state of emergency in Dak Lak, deploying military and police to establish emergency shelters.
Local media images show residents stranded on rooftops as waters rise, while footage captures a suspension bridge in Lam Dong province tearing loose from its anchors. In Nha Trang, a restaurant owner told AFP his shops were submerged under a meter of water. "I'm worried about the furniture, but there's nothing I can do-the rain won't stop," said Bui Quoc Vinh.
Climate Change Intensifies Extreme Weather
This disaster follows a series of extreme weather events in Vietnam. In early November, Typhoon Kalmaegi killed five in central Vietnam after devastating the Philippine island of Cebu, where it claimed 188 lives. In September, Typhoon Bualoi struck northern and central Vietnam with 117 km/h (73 mph) winds, killing at least 11.
Experts warn that climate change is amplifying typhoon intensity and frequency, worsening flooding and landslides. The Vietnamese government estimates natural disasters have caused $2 billion (£1.5 billion) in damages from January to October 2025 alone.
Forecast and Response
Heavy rain is expected to persist through at least Sunday, prolonging relief challenges. Emergency teams continue search-and-rescue operations, though access remains limited in cut-off areas.
