Central Vietnam is reeling from record-breaking rainfall and severe flooding that has claimed at least nine lives and left five people missing, according to official reports. The deluge has inundated more than 100,000 homes, triggered landslides, and forced mass evacuations in popular tourist cities such as Hue and Hoi An.

Torrential Rains Cause Widespread Devastation

The Vietnamese government confirmed on Wednesday that six of the fatalities occurred in the coastal city of Da Nang and the historic town of Hoi An — both major tourist destinations now facing extensive water damage and power outages. The floods have also injured 11 people and destroyed large areas of farmland across the central region.

Authorities say rainfall levels have reached unprecedented highs, with more than 1,000 millimetres (40 inches) recorded in just 24 hours — the heaviest downpour ever documented in the region. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment reported that the rains triggered over 150 landslides, swamped 2,200 hectares (5,400 acres) of crops, and submerged 103,525 houses.

Tourist Hotspots Underwater: Hue and Hoi An Hardest Hit

In the ancient imperial city of Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage site, 32 out of 40 communes are now underwater, affecting 35,000 households. Photos circulating on Vietnamese state media show residents navigating the city’s flooded streets by boat, while rescue teams work around the clock to deliver food and medical aid.

The Vietnamese army has mobilized over 6,000 soldiers and officers to evacuate more than 3,200 residents from Hue and surrounding areas.

In Hoi An, another UNESCO-listed site famed for its preserved architecture and lantern-lit streets, water levels have risen so high that some homes are submerged up to their roofs. Many tourists have been evacuated by boats as authorities declared parts of the city unsafe due to the risk of structural collapse and waterborne diseases.

Nearby Da Nang, a major urban hub, has also been hit hard, with over 75,000 households inundated and local rivers reaching “alarming levels,” according to the Environment Ministry. City officials have urged residents in low-lying districts to seek higher ground and warned of possible flash floods if heavy rain continues.

More Heavy Rain Expected in Coming Days

Meteorologists have warned that the crisis is far from over. Vietnam’s weather forecasting agency predicts continued heavy rainfall across the central provinces for the next two days, with precipitation in some regions expected to exceed 400 millimetres (16 inches) between Wednesday and Thursday.

Authorities remain on high alert, deploying emergency response teams to monitor dam safety, clear blocked roads, and deliver relief supplies to flood-hit communities. Local schools have been temporarily closed, and flights to Da Nang and Hue have faced delays or cancellations due to poor visibility and storm conditions.

Climate Change Intensifying Vietnam’s Flood Risks

Vietnam is no stranger to seasonal storms and flooding, particularly during the monsoon months from June to October. However, experts warn that climate change is amplifying the frequency and severity of such extreme weather events. Rising sea levels and changing rainfall patterns have made coastal and low-lying areas especially vulnerable to disaster.

“Human-driven climate change is turning what used to be once-in-a-decade floods into near-annual crises,” said a meteorologist with the Vietnam Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Climate Change. The scientist emphasized the urgent need for sustainable flood management systems, better urban drainage, and reforestation in upland areas to mitigate future disasters.

According to Vietnam’s disaster management authority, 187 people have died or gone missing due to storms, floods, and landslides in the first nine months of 2025 alone.

Government Response and Recovery Efforts

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has ordered provincial authorities to prioritize rescue operations, provide temporary shelter for displaced families, and ensure adequate food and medical supplies in evacuation zones. The government has also appealed for support from international humanitarian organizations as recovery efforts ramp up.

Early estimates suggest that rebuilding homes, restoring tourism infrastructure, and repairing damaged roads and bridges could take months and cost millions of dollars.

Outlook

With central Vietnam still battling relentless rainfall, communities across Hue, Hoi An, and Da Nang remain on edge. As the country braces for more downpours, the tragic floods of 2025 serve as another stark reminder of the growing climate crisis threatening Southeast Asia.