Typhoon Bualoi-caused torrential downpours persist northern and central Vietnam

THE HANOI TIMES — Torrential rains brought by Typhoon Bualoi’s circulation have triggered flash floods and landslides across northern and central Vietnam in early October, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

On October 1, heavy rain continued in areas from the northern provinces of Phu Tho, Son La and Lao Cai, to central provinces of Thanh Hoa and Ha Tinh, with rainfall ranging from 100 to 200 mm, max 350 mm.

With accumulated rainfall, the risk of flash floods and landslides remains extremely high in many areas over the next 24 hours.

Flooding is also forecast in low-lying and urban areas along rivers from northern localities to the central province of Ha Tinh, threatening transport, agriculture, aquaculture and daily life.

Hanoi has seen cloudy skies with scattered showers and thunderstorms. Due to upstream flooding, water levels in the Red River in Hanoi have surged, disrupting households along both banks. Meanwhile, Typhoon Bualoi has left many streets in the city still deeply flooded.

Authorities also warned of a continued high risk of flash floods and landslides in northern mountainous provinces and urged people to stay vigilant.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the typhoon and its subsequent downpours and flooding have left 29 people dead, 19 missing, and more than 100 injured across the northern to central regions.

More than 158,000 houses were destroyed, damaged, or inundated, while over 26,600 hectares of rice and crops were ruined. Infrastructure damage was widespread, with thousands of power poles pulled down, roads blocked at over 1,100 locations, and tens of thousands of trees uprooted.

The ministry reported that extensive flooding submerged nearly 14,000 homes, particularly in the central provinces of Thanh Hoa and Nghe An, while 9,500 ha of aquaculture farms were damaged. Fifteen dike incidents have been recorded in the provinces of Ninh Binh, Ha Tinh and Quang Tri.

Upon the typhoon, Party General Secretary To Lam has extended his deep sympathies to the people and soldiers who have been affected by the typhoon

In his message, the leader said: “I would like to express my deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of the victims, especially those whose relatives died in the storm and floods.”

The leader asked authorities at all levels to focus on tackling the storm consequences as Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has directed. He called on the business community, organizations and Vietnamese people at home and abroad to support the storm victims as soon as possible.