Floods submerge Hue’s communes, inundating over one lakh homes; hit several of the country’s top tourist destinations, including Danang, Hue, and Hoi An
HANOI
Torrential rains have triggered severe floods in central Vietnam, killing at least nine people and leaving five others missing, the government said on Wednesday. The disaster has affected several of the country’s top tourist destinations, including Danang, Hue, and Hoi An.
According to the national disaster agency, six of the deaths occurred in Danang and Hoi An, both popular tourist spots. More than 103,000 homes have been inundated, while vast areas remain under water as heavy rain continues to batter the region. In Hue, 32 of its 40 communes are submerged, with floodwaters reaching depths of up to two metres.
Drone footage released by state media showed streets turned into rivers and houses partially underwater. Officials warned that water levels in rivers and reservoirs around Danang have hit dangerous highs, raising the threat of flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas.
The government reported that several landslides have already occurred, cutting off roads and damaging power lines. Train services between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City remain suspended since Tuesday as crews work to clear blocked tracks.
Vietnam, which regularly faces deadly storms during its June–October monsoon season, has recorded rainfall exceeding 1,000 millimetres in just 24 hours — the highest in decades. Meteorologists warned that heavy rain would persist for at least two more days, with rainfall totals likely surpassing 400 millimetres in some areas.
Authorities have deployed rescue teams and emergency supplies to affected regions, but many communities remain isolated. Officials urged residents in low-lying and mountainous zones to stay alert for landslides and rapidly rising waters.
BOX
Rain drowns Vietnam
* The former imperial capital Hue, listed by UNESCO, and the ancient city of Hoi An continue to be pounded with torrential rains. Hue was hit by flooding of up to 1-2 meters in 32 of the 40 communes.
* The government reported that water levels have continued to rise in the rivers and reservoirs of Danang.
* The state-run railway company has not yet been able resume services.
* Heavy rains will continue over central Vietnam for the next two weeks, according to the government weather agency.