Relentless Rain Submerges Central Vietnam — 16 Dead, Over 43,000 Homes Flooded

Heavy, unrelenting rain since late October has swept through central Vietnam, submerging entire neighbourhoods, triggering deadly landslides and killing at least 16 people. Thousands have been evacuated and emergency teams continue search-and-rescue operations across multiple provinces.

Widespread Flooding and Local Impact

Coastal Nha Trang saw whole blocks inundated and hundreds of cars submerged as floodwaters rose. Business owner Bui Quoc Vinh, 45, said he was sheltering in his 24th-floor apartment while his restaurants and ground-floor shops were under about one metre of water. He added that some of his staff were coping with up to two metres (6 ft) of water at their homes.

"I am worried about our furniture in my restaurants and shops, but of course I cannot do anything now," he said. "My staff have to take care of their flooded homes. I don't think the water is going to recede soon as the rain has not stopped."

In the highlands around Da Lat, deadly landslides have blocked roads and isolated communities. Some areas recorded up to 600 millimetres (about 24 inches) of rain since the weekend. A 100-metre section of the Mimosa Pass was buried by a landslide and several other routes were closed because of continuing risk.

Rescue Efforts and Disruptions

Rescue teams have been using boats to reach flooded homes, prying open windows and cutting through roofs to evacuate stranded residents. Authorities reported at least 16 fatalities since the weekend and said five people remain missing. More than 43,000 houses were submerged and several major roads were blocked by landslides; some north-south rail services were also suspended.

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung instructed provincial leaders to mobilise the army, police and local forces to evacuate people to safe areas and provide emergency relief. Emergency hotlines reported unusually high call volumes as communities faced rising water levels.

In Quy Nhon city, rescuers delivered food and water to hospitals cut off by flooding after medical staff and patients reportedly survived on instant noodles and bottled water for several days.

Rivers, Hazards and Wider Context

Water levels in sections of the Ba River in Dak Lak surpassed records set in 1993, and the Cai River in Khanh Hoa also surged to new highs. Officials warned that heavy rain had worsened already high river levels.

Floodwaters in Dak Lak swept away 100 barrels (20-litre each) of sulfuric acid from a sugar factory, prompting authorities to warn the public to avoid contact with contaminated water and report sightings of hazardous materials.

Vietnam's statistics office reports that natural disasters have left 279 people dead or missing and caused more than $2 billion in damage from January through October this year. While the country regularly experiences heavy rains, experts point to human-driven climate change as increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events.