Typhoon Bualoi Leaves 26 Dead, 22 Missing, and Widespread Devastation in Central Vietnam

Typhoon Bualoi Strikes Central Vietnam

Typhoon Bualoi, also known as Storm No. 10 in Vietnam, made landfall in the northern central provinces of Hà Tĩnh and Nghệ An in the early hours of September 29, 2025. The powerful storm, which had intensified to a Category 2-equivalent typhoon, brought sustained winds of up to 133 km/h (80 mph) and waves reaching 8 meters in height. Its passage has resulted in significant loss of life and extensive damage across the region before weakening into a tropical depression as it moved inland over Laos.

Human Toll and Ongoing Search Efforts

The human cost of Typhoon Bualoi has been severe. As of September 30, authorities reported at least 26 fatalities and 22 people missing across Vietnam. Additionally, over 100 individuals sustained injuries. The deaths occurred in various incidents, including 11 in Ninh Bình and Hưng Yên provinces due to tornadoes and strong winds, one in Huế from floodwaters, and another in Thanh Hóa caused by a falling tree. Search operations are ongoing for the missing, which include 17 fishermen from Quảng Trị and Gia Lai provinces, four villagers buried by landslides in Tuyên Quang, and three from a capsized boat in Thanh Hóa. In anticipation of the storm, more than 53,000 people were evacuated to temporary shelters.

Widespread Destruction to Homes and Infrastructure

The typhoon inflicted widespread destruction on homes and critical infrastructure. More than 135,000 houses were damaged or unroofed, with Hà Tĩnh province bearing the brunt of the impact, reporting over 84,000 affected homes. Nearly 14,000 homes were inundated by floodwaters. Power outages affected nearly 500,000 households across Hà Tĩnh, Nghệ An, and Quảng Trị provinces as strong winds toppled electric poles. Roads were cut off by landslides and floods, and several domestic airports were closed, leading to the cancellation or delay of over 180 flights. The storm also damaged 167 schools and 12 medical facilities, and uprooted approximately 57,000 trees.

Agricultural Losses and Regional Context

Vietnam's agricultural sector suffered significant losses, with an estimated 25,500 hectares of rice and other crops inundated or destroyed. Additionally, 8,700 hectares of fish farms were swept away. The heavy rainfall, exceeding 300mm in some areas, led to severe flooding in cities, including the capital Hanoi, where streets were submerged. Bualoi is the 20th named storm and 9th typhoon of the 2025 Pacific typhoon season. Prior to reaching Vietnam, it caused fatalities and damage in the Philippines (where it was known as Typhoon Opong) and brought heavy rains to Thailand. Authorities continue to warn of ongoing risks from flash floods and landslides as heavy rains persist in northern regions.