Vietnam floods: record-shattering rain submerges Hue and Hoi An; at least 10 dead, thousands evacuated

Central Vietnam is grappling with destructive flooding after record 24-hour rainfall swamped historic cities, forced mass evacuations, and disrupted transport across multiple provinces. Officials confirmed at least 10 deaths and five missing as of Wednesday, with totals likely to change as assessments continue. Emergency teams are focusing on the ancient city of Hue and the riverside town of Hoi An, where streets turned into torrents and power and water outages were reported in low-lying wards.

Record rainfall in Vietnam drives severe flooding

Meteorologists logged an unprecedented deluge in Hue—over one meter of rain within 24 hours—setting a new national benchmark for single-day totals. The Perfume River and tributaries burst their banks, inundating neighborhoods, markets, and parts of the Imperial Citadel area. Farther south, Hoi An’s Hoai River overflowed, submerging the UNESCO-listed old town and prompting boat evacuations from hotels and homestays near the Thu Bon riverfront.

Authorities warn water levels on key basins will remain elevated into Thursday as runoff from surrounding hills drains toward the coast. Slopes saturated by days of rain have increased the risk of landslides along highways linking Hue, Da Nang, and Quang Nam.

Human toll and evacuations across multiple provinces

Emergency command centers in Thua Thien Hue, Da Nang, and adjacent provinces reported fatalities from drowning and landslides. With rain bands still training over the region, search teams are working to reach isolated hamlets where road access has been cut by debris and high water. Local committees set up shelters in schools and community halls; cots, dry rations, and bottled water are being distributed, but logistics remain challenging where bridges are damaged or underwater.

Evacuation counts vary by district, but thousands of residents and tourists have been moved to higher ground. Urban wards closest to the rivers were prioritized, followed by rural communes where floodwater rose rapidly overnight.

Vietnam floods strain transport and power

Rail traffic on the north–south corridor faced partial suspensions and delays after embankments were compromised in several sections. Crews pre-positioned ballast and protective carriages to stabilize vulnerable bridges until waters recede. Road closures were reported on segments of National Route 1 and smaller provincial roads, while flights experienced weather-related disruptions earlier in the week before operations partially resumed. Power cuts were implemented in flooded neighborhoods to prevent electrical accidents, with restoration contingent on inspections.

Scope of damage: homes, livelihoods, and heritage zones

Initial tallies indicate more than 100,000 homes affected across central provinces, ranging from minor inundation to full-floor submersion. Small businesses in tourist corridors—cafés, tailors, craft shops, and guesthouses—face significant losses from water damage and prolonged closures. Farm plots near riverbanks saw crops washed out, while fishponds and livestock shelters suffered breaches that could ripple into months of livelihood recovery.

Heritage districts in Hue and Hoi An took on heavy water but benefited from prior flood-proofing measures; conservators will assess structural integrity and artifacts once pumping and cleanup allow access. Municipal teams are prioritizing debris clearance, drainage, and the safe re-energizing of utilities.

Why the Vietnam flooding escalated so quickly

A slow-moving moisture plume parked over central Vietnam, funneling repeated thunderstorms into narrow coastal plains backed by steep hills—an ideal setup for flash flooding. With soils already saturated from earlier storms this month, rivers reached peak flow faster than usual. Climate specialists note that warmer air holds more moisture, increasing the intensity of downpours; while that long-term trend doesn’t determine any single event on its own, it raises the odds of extreme rainfall episodes like this one.

What’s next: forecast and key risks

• Short-term (24–48 hours): Periods of moderate to heavy rain may persist, especially in foothill districts. River levels will recede unevenly; backflows and tidal effects could slow drainage near river mouths.

• Landslides: Continued slope failures remain a primary hazard on mountain passes and cuttings.

• Health risks: Stagnant water and damaged sanitation increase the risk of waterborne disease; public-health teams are distributing purification tablets and tetanus guidance.

• Infrastructure checks: Inspectors will evaluate bridges, embankments, and schools before reopening.

If you’re in the affected areas

• Follow local evacuation orders and stay off flooded roads; moving water can conceal sinkholes and debris.

• Avoid wading where electrical hazards may exist; assume downed lines are live.

• Use safe water for drinking and cooking; boil or treat if in doubt.

• Document damage with time-stamped photos for relief and insurance claims.

• Track official bulletins for neighborhood-specific reopening timelines and assistance points.

The bigger picture for central Vietnam

The central coast’s mix of dense river deltas, heritage sites, and tourism infrastructure makes it especially vulnerable to flood shocks. As cleanup begins, planners will revisit riverfront defenses, stormwater upgrades, and hillside stabilization—measures that can reduce but not eliminate risk. For now, the focus remains on saving lives, restoring mobility, and getting communities back on their feet as waters withdraw.