Central Vietnam is facing one of its most destructive weather emergencies in recent years as relentless rainfall from a lingering tropical depression has triggered widespread flooding and deadly landslides across several provinces. The situation has rapidly deteriorated, with authorities confirming that at least 41 people have lost their lives as rescue teams struggle to reach isolated communities.
The storm system, which has hovered over the region for days, has unleashed torrents of rain, leaving towns and villages submerged under rising floodwaters. Early casualty reports estimated 16 deaths, but the toll has sharply increased as emergency crews gain access to harder-hit locations.
The provinces of Khanh Hoa, Dak Lak and Gia Lai are among the worst affected. Homes have been engulfed, streets washed out, and entire neighborhoods cut off. Thousands of residents have been forced to climb onto rooftops or flee to higher ground as water levels continue to surge. Significant portions of a major national highway have been severed, halting transport and delaying relief operations.
Emergency response efforts have been severely hampered by the continuing downpour. Blocked roads, landslides, and downed power lines have slowed the deployment of aid, even as hundreds of soldiers, disaster-response units, and local volunteers work around the clock to assist residents. Many remote areas remain inaccessible, raising fears that the casualty count may rise further.
Authorities report extensive damage to infrastructure, including power networks, bridges, and farmlands. With parts of the region still experiencing heavy rainfall, officials warn that additional landslides and flash floods remain a serious threat.
The full extent of the disaster is still being assessed, but early evaluations indicate widespread devastation across multiple provinces. National agencies are coordinating with local governments to accelerate evacuations, restore key transport routes, and distribute food, clean water, and medical supplies.
As Vietnam continues to battle severe weather events intensified by seasonal climate patterns, the unfolding crisis highlights the vulnerability of central provinces and the immense challenges faced by emergency teams during prolonged storms.
