Typhoon Bualoi Devastates Vietnam: 19 Dead, 21 Missing as Flooding Continues

As of Tuesday, numerous villages in northern central Vietnam remained submerged with no electricity or transportation available.

Hanoi:

The Vietnamese government announced on Tuesday that the death toll from Typhoon Bualoi has climbed to 19, with an additional 21 individuals still unaccounted for. This makes it the most destructive storm to strike the nation this year, as continuous heavy rainfall increases the likelihood of flooding and landslides across northern regions.

Typhoon Bualoi made landfall on Monday in northern central Vietnam, bringing massive sea swells, powerful winds, and torrential downpours. The typhoon had previously claimed at least 10 lives in the Philippines last week.

According to government reports, 88 people have sustained injuries, more than 100,000 homes have suffered damage—primarily in Nghe An and Ha Tinh provinces—and over 10,000 hectares of rice fields and crops have been submerged.

The national weather agency reported that rainfall had exceeded 300 millimeters in several parts of Vietnam within the past 24 hours. Heavy precipitation was expected to continue, including in the capital city of Hanoi, with possibilities of strong winds and lightning strikes.

"Landslides and flash floods are likely to happen in several areas over the next six hours," warned the agency.

State media reported that as of Tuesday, numerous villages in northern central Vietnam remained underwater, with no functioning transportation systems or electrical power.

Vietnam, with its extensive coastline facing the South China Sea, is susceptible to typhoons that frequently bring heavy rains resulting in severe flooding.