Credited from: ALJAZEERA
Torrential rains and subsequent flooding in central Vietnam have tragically led to at least ten confirmed fatalities and five individuals reported missing, according to local sources and government statements. The fatalities include six people in the coastal city of Da Nang and one in Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage site. As countless others remain displaced, the floods have impacted more than 103,000 houses as of Wednesday, with conditions worsening further due to continued rainfall forecasts. This information is corroborated by Reuters, Channel News Asia, Al Jazeera, and Anadolu Agency.
The precipitation has averaged over 1,000 mm within a 24-hour period, leading to widespread disruptions. In Hue, authorities reported that 32 out of 40 communes are currently submerged, affecting around 35,000 households. Meanwhile, in Da Nang, water levels have reached dangerous thresholds, prompting evacuations of over 7,000 households, as local military and civil defense forces were mobilized for rescue efforts. The situation is dire, as heavy rains are predicted to continue through Thursday night, increasing the risks of additional landslides and flooding, according to Channel News Asia, Al Jazeera, and Anadolu Agency.
Rescue operations have been hindered by the adverse weather conditions. The government stated that over 150 landslides have occurred, complicating access to affected areas. Vietnam's Prime Minister has convened an urgent meeting to coordinate disaster response and recovery, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The continued threat posed by extreme weather is exacerbated by ongoing climate change challenges, as indicated by reporting from various agencies, including Reuters, Channel News Asia, Al Jazeera, and Anadolu Agency.