Vietnam Floods Kill 55, Rescuers Race to Find More Missing

HANOI_ Heavy rains have caused catastrophic flooding across south-central Vietnam since late October, claiming at least 55 lives and leaving 13 people missing, authorities reported on Saturday. Popular tourist destinations, including coastal Nha Trang and the highland hub of Da Lat, have been severely affected, with entire city blocks submerged and deadly landslides striking mountainous passes.

Mountainous Provinces Hit Hardest

Dak Lak province has suffered the heaviest toll, with more than two dozen fatalities. Rescuers have been pulling residents from treetops and rooftops as waters gradually recede, highlighting the urgency of ongoing rescue operations. Multiple highways remain impassable, and around 300,000 people are without power following widespread outages.

Rising Damage and Climate Concerns

Vietnam’s National Statistics Office reports that 279 people have died or gone missing due to natural disasters so far in 2025, with damages exceeding $2 billion. While the country is prone to seasonal heavy rainfall, scientists link the increasing frequency and severity of these floods to human-driven climate change. The ongoing disaster serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by extreme weather events in Southeast Asia.

International Attention

Authorities continue to coordinate large-scale rescue and relief efforts as the government appeals for resources to aid affected communities. The situation remains fluid, with environmental experts warning that similar events could become more common unless comprehensive climate mitigation measures are implemented.