HANOI, November 23, 2025 — Vietnam is reeling from one of its deadliest floods in decades, as torrential rains and landslides have claimed at least 90 lives and left thousands of families displaced across the country’s central and southern provinces.
Rising Waters, Rising Toll
The floods began in late October after days of relentless rainfall, with some regions recording more than 1.5 meters of rain in just three days. Provinces including Dak Lak, Gia Lai, Lam Dong, Khanh Hoa, and the coastal city of Nha Trang have been among the hardest hit. Authorities report that more than 52,000 homes have been inundated, while half a million households lost electricity during the peak of the disaster.
Human Stories of Survival
In Dak Lak province, survivors described clinging to rooftops for days as floodwaters swallowed entire neighborhoods. “Our neighbourhood was destroyed. Nothing was left. Everything was covered in mud,” one farmer told local media. In Nha Trang, cars were submerged and businesses paralyzed, while landslides around the tourist hub of Da Lat cut off vital mountain passes.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The government estimates damages at $343 million across five provinces. The floods followed Typhoons Kalmaegi and Bualoi earlier this season, compounding the destruction. Experts warn that Vietnam’s vulnerability to tropical storms and monsoon rains is worsening with climate change, with natural disasters costing the country nearly $2 billion in 2025 alone.
Rescue and Relief Efforts
Soldiers and emergency teams have been deployed to evacuate stranded residents and deliver supplies. The U.S. Embassy in Vietnam issued warnings about severe risks of isolation and loss of access to vital services. Search operations continue for at least 12 people still missing, while authorities race to restore electricity and clean water.
Looking Ahead
As Vietnam mourns its losses, the floods serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for climate resilience and stronger infrastructure. For communities across the central highlands and coastal regions, rebuilding will take months — if not years.