At Least 41 Dead and 9 Missing as Heavy Rain Batters Central Vietnam, with Over 50,000 Homes Submerged in Water

Over 40 people have reportedly died after heavy rains and flooding swept through Vietnam’s central region.

At least 41 people have been killed and nine remain missing, according to local outlet Tuoi Tre and the BBC, citing state media. Officials say more than 52,000 homes have been submerged, and roughly half a million homes and businesses are without power.

In just three days, some areas have recorded more than 60 inches of rainfall, NBC News reported.

The deluge has overwhelmed major highways and triggered landslides. Tuoi Tre said 142 provincial and local roads have either collapsed or are underwater. Floodwaters have also damaged about 13,000 hectares of rice, vegetables, and other crops, along with 2,000 hectares of perennial plants. More than 30,000 livestock and poultry have reportedly been killed or swept away.

Early estimates put economic losses at over $114 million, per Tuoi Tre.

The latest flooding comes after Vietnam endured two typhoons in recent months. In late September, Typhoon Bualoi made landfall and was blamed for at least 11 deaths and more than 30 injuries, with nearly 30,000 people evacuated and four airports shut down. Earlier this month, Typhoon Kalmaegi struck Vietnam after battering the Philippines; the BBC reported on Nov. 7 that five people were killed, with winds reaching up to 92 mph.

Photos shared by Tuoi Tre this week showed rescue teams and residents in life jackets ferrying people to safety by boat. State media images also captured families — including children — waiting on rooftops as floodwaters rose. One resident in Khanh Hoa province reportedly pleaded for help on a local Facebook page, saying they had been stranded on a roof since late at night along with children and adults, according to NBC News.

More heavy rain is expected Friday, Nov. 21, with Vietnam’s national forecasting agency warning that additional flooding and landslides could follow.