Heavy rainfall in Vietnam has caused devastating floods and landslides, resulting in at least 90 deaths with 12 people still missing. The disaster has damaged around 186,000 homes and washed away over three million livestock, with economic losses expected to total hundreds of millions of pounds.
The most severely affected provinces include Dak Lak, Gia Lai, Quang Ngai, Khanh Hoa, and Lam Dong, particularly Dak Lak, which has reported over 60 fatalities. Floodwaters have blocked major roads and railway lines, disrupting transport and isolating communities. A suspension bridge in Lam Dong collapsed into the swollen river, highlighting the storm’s intensity.
Approximately 258,000 households remain without electricity, complicating relief efforts. The military and police have been mobilised to carry out rescue operations, using boats and drones to reach stranded residents. Crops have also been heavily damaged, with nearly 80,000 hectares affected.
Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính held an emergency virtual meeting while at the G20 summit, directing rapid deployment of resources and approving an emergency relief fund of over US$26 million to aid recovery.
Scientists warn that climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of such extreme weather events in Vietnam.