The death toll from widespread flooding and landslides in Vietnam has risen to 90, according to a statement released Sunday by the Vietnamese Ministry of Environment. Rescue teams continue to search for 12 individuals still missing amidst the wreckage and floodwaters.
Since late October, central and southern Vietnam have been battered by relentless torrential rains, triggering devastating floods that have submerged tourist cities and historical sites. The intense flooding has also caused significant damage to vital infrastructure across the region.
Entire neighborhoods in the coastal city of Nha Trang remain underwater. Landslides near the resort town of Da Lat have resulted in fatalities and severely damaged major roadways. The province of Dak Lak, in central Vietnam, has reported over 60 deaths since November 16th, with tens of thousands of homes damaged or destroyed by the floodwaters.
Official media sources indicate that rescue efforts are ongoing to assist residents stranded on rooftops or clinging to trees. Water levels began to recede on Friday, but the situation remains critical for many.
Numerous highways remain impassable due to the extensive damage. Approximately 300,000 people are still without electricity following widespread power outages that initially affected over a million residents. The disruption to daily life is significant.
According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, natural disasters in Vietnam between January and October of this year have resulted in 279 deaths or disappearances, alongside over $2 billion in material losses. Vietnam is highly vulnerable to the intense monsoon rains that impact the region between June and September. Experts warn that climate change is exacerbating these weather events, leading to increased severity and frequency of natural disasters.
