Central Vietnam Floods Leave 13 Dead, Hoi An Cleans Up

Heavy floods in central Vietnam have claimed 13 lives, leaving several others missing and thousands displaced. The disaster followed days of record-breaking rainfall that submerged towns and cities, including the UNESCO-listed Hoi An and the historic imperial city of Hue. Authorities confirmed the fatalities on Friday as rescue teams continued to search for missing persons and deliver emergency supplies to affected families.

In Hoi An, a popular tourist destination known for its ancient architecture, residents began cleaning up as floodwaters slowly receded. Streets that were once filled with tourists are now covered in mud and debris. Locals used small boats to navigate through flooded neighborhoods, rescuing stranded people and salvaging belongings. “I have witnessed floods many times, but this is the worst I’ve ever seen,” said 60-year-old resident Tran Van Tien, describing the intensity of the flood.

The government’s disaster management agency reported that more than 116,000 homes have been damaged by the floods, while 11 people remain missing. In addition, nearly 5,000 hectares of crops have been destroyed, and large sections of roads and railways are impassable. Several provinces have reported electricity cuts, with engineers working to restore power and communication lines. The widespread damage has made rescue efforts challenging, as many rural areas remain isolated.

Tourism in Hoi An, a vital source of income for the local community, has been heavily impacted. Many visitors canceled bookings as hotels, restaurants, and shops were inundated. Nguyen Thi Thuy, a hotel manager in the city, shared her concern: “The floodwater rose too quickly, causing serious property damage. I hope the situation improves soon so we can reopen and welcome tourists again.” The flooding came at a time when the city was preparing for the winter tourism season, making recovery even more urgent.

Meteorologists have warned that heavy rainfall will likely continue through Saturday, raising fears of additional flooding and landslides in the central region. Some areas could receive more than 500 millimeters of rain in a single day, which could further overwhelm rivers and drainage systems. Authorities have urged residents in flood-prone zones to move to higher ground and remain alert. Emergency teams are on standby with boats and medical supplies to respond quickly to any new emergencies.

Government and military forces have been deployed across several provinces to support rescue operations and distribute food, clean water, and medicine. Temporary shelters have been set up for displaced families. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has sent teams to assess crop and livestock losses, while local administrations have requested additional support for rebuilding damaged infrastructure. Relief agencies are prioritizing aid delivery to the most affected areas, particularly in Quang Nam and Thua Thien Hue provinces.

This disaster once again highlights Vietnam’s growing vulnerability to natural calamities linked to the annual monsoon season and climate change. Every year, the country experiences severe storms, floods, and typhoons that result in significant human and economic losses. Experts have stressed the need for stronger disaster preparedness, better flood control infrastructure, and community awareness programs to minimize future risks.

Despite the devastation, the people of Hoi An and surrounding regions are showing resilience. Community groups, volunteers, and local authorities are working together to clear streets, reopen essential services, and help each other rebuild. “We are trying to stay strong and help our neighbors,” said resident Tran Thi Hoa. “Our city has faced floods before, and we will rise again.” As recovery efforts continue, Vietnam once again demonstrates its spirit of unity in the face of nature’s challenges.