The death toll from severe flooding in Vietnam has reached 90, with an additional 12 individuals reported missing, following days of relentless rain and landslides. The country's environment ministry announced the grim statistics on Sunday, highlighting the devastating impact of extreme weather in the region.

Flooding and Landslides Impact Central Vietnam
Since late October, south-central Vietnam has experienced heavy rainfall, exceeding 1,900mm in some areas. The mountainous Dak Lak province has been particularly hard hit, accounting for more than 60 of the recorded fatalities. The flooding has inundated tens of thousands of homes and disrupted the lives of countless residents in this coffee production hub and popular tourist destination.

Rescue Operations Underway
Rescue efforts have been mobilized across the affected provinces, with army and police forces deployed to assist stranded residents. In central Gia Lai and Dak Lak provinces, rescuers used boats to reach those trapped in their homes, breaking through windows and roofs to provide assistance. Reports indicate that some hospitals in the coastal city of Quy Nhon were left without supplies, forcing doctors and patients to survive on instant noodles and water for days.

Economic Toll and Agricultural Damage
The Vietnamese government estimates that the flooding has inflicted approximately 8.98 trillion dong, or $341 million, in economic damage. Over 235,000 homes have been flooded, and nearly 80,000 hectares of crops have been destroyed. The national statistics office reported that extreme weather events between January and October have resulted in 279 deaths or missing persons and caused damages exceeding $2 billion.

Climate Change and Future Risks
Vietnam is no stranger to heavy rainfall, particularly between June and September; however, recent scientific findings suggest that human-driven climate change is exacerbating the frequency and severity of such extreme weather events. The ongoing crisis underscores the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness and climate resilience strategies in the region.

Wrap-up
As Vietnam grapples with the aftermath of this catastrophic flooding, the government faces mounting challenges in addressing the immediate needs of affected communities while also considering long-term strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The situation remains critical as rescue operations continue and the nation mourns the loss of life.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team