Central Vietnam Grapples with Devastating Floods After Record Rainfall

Unprecedented Deluge Strikes Central Vietnam

Central Vietnam is currently facing the aftermath of severe flooding, which commenced in late October 2025, following an period of unprecedented rainfall. The torrential downpours have led to widespread inundation, particularly affecting the provinces of Thua Thien Hue, Da Nang, and Quang Nam. The disaster has claimed at least 10 lives and left 8 people missing, prompting urgent rescue and relief operations across the region.

The central city of Hue experienced record-breaking rainfall, with one station at Bach Ma peak recording a staggering 1,739 millimeters in a 24-hour period, marking the highest volume ever recorded in Vietnam and the second-largest daily total globally. This intense precipitation overwhelmed drainage systems and river capacities, leading to rapid and extensive flooding.

Mass Evacuations and Extensive Damage

In response to the escalating floodwaters, authorities initiated mass evacuations, relocating nearly 26,000 residents from approximately 7,900 households in vulnerable areas to safer shelters. The floodwaters have submerged vast areas, with significant impact on residential properties and public infrastructure.

• More than 128,000 houses have been inundated across several central provinces.
• At least 51 homes collapsed or were swept away, and over 120 others sustained damage.
• In Hue, 32 out of 40 communes were submerged under 1 to 2 meters of water.
• The ancient town of Hoi An saw its streets turn into waterways, with some areas only showing rooftops.
• Over 306,000 households and businesses in Hue, Da Nang, and Quang Tri provinces experienced power outages.

Infrastructure and Agricultural Losses

The severe weather has caused considerable disruption to transportation and economic activities. Landslides, triggered by the heavy rains, have blocked numerous national highways and dozens of local roads, severely impacting traffic flow. The state-run Vietnam Railways Corporation was forced to suspend train services between the capital Hanoi and the southern business hub Ho Chi Minh City due to flooding and landslides along the central rail corridor.

The agricultural sector has also suffered significant losses. Approximately 4,300 hectares of rice and other crops were submerged, and over 650 hectares of fruit trees were damaged. The floods also resulted in the death of more than 16,300 livestock and poultry.

Ongoing Response and Outlook

Local authorities and military forces have been deployed for rescue efforts and to provide emergency relief to affected residents. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired an urgent meeting to direct flood response and recovery efforts. While some areas have seen water levels begin to recede, the Vietnamese Meteorological Department has warned of continued heavy rainfall in the coming days, indicating that the region remains at high risk for further flash floods and landslides.