Weather and Natural Disasters

Record-Breaking Floods in Central Vietnam

Heavy rainfall has resulted in unprecedented flooding in central Vietnam, particularly in the regions of Hue and Hoi An. On Tue, Oct 28, 2025, Vietnam’s disaster management agency reported over 1,000 millimetres (39.4 inches) of rain within a 24-hour period in these areas.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting noted that the rainfall in Hue was the highest recorded for a 24-hour duration since records began. This has led to water levels in the Huong and Bo rivers reaching 5.25 meters (17.2 feet), surpassing previous records set in 2020. Although water levels have decreased, significant flooding persists in Hue, with over a meter (3.3 feet) of standing water.

Impact on Infrastructure and Population

The severe weather has caused substantial disruptions. Approximately 8,600 individuals across four central provinces have been evacuated due to the threat of flooding and landslides. The flooding has also led to the suspension of train services between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City by Vietnam Railways Corp. Additionally, over 306,000 homes and businesses in Hue, Danang, and Quang Tri provinces are experiencing power outages.

In Quang Ngai province, a landslide approximately 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) long has isolated around 1,700 residents, according to local authorities.

Economic and Environmental Consequences

According to the General Statistics Office, natural disasters in the first nine months of 2025, primarily storms, floods, and landslides, have resulted in 187 fatalities or disappearances and economic damages exceeding $610 million.

As weather patterns intensify due to climate change, increased vigilance and preparedness are crucial to mitigating future impacts.