CaliToday (31/10/2025): Central Vietnam remains in a state of emergency today, battling a complex and severe flood situation that has left vast areas inundated. The historic Old Town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is submerged under muddy floodwaters this morning, as the swollen Thu Bon River, while slowly receding, remains dangerously high.
The crisis has prompted a high-level government response, with the Prime Minister issuing his third urgent dispatch on the matter, demanding all resources be mobilized to protect lives and property.
Hoi An's Ancient Streets Under Water
The scene in Hoi An this morning is one of quiet devastation. The iconic, yellow-walled streets and centuries-old merchant houses that normally bustle with tourists are now accessible only by boat. Residents have been seen moving furniture, goods, and motorbikes to upper floors in a desperate attempt to save their property from the rising water.
The flooding in the heritage town is a direct result of the overflowing Thu Bon River.
According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the flood peak on the Thu Bon has passed, but water levels remain at a critical stage. As of this morning, the river is still holding above Alarm Level 3. This is the highest warning level, signifying a high risk of widespread, deep inundation and a direct threat to human safety and infrastructure.
The slow recession of the water means that even as the peak passes, the town and surrounding areas will remain flooded for a significant period.
High-Level Government Response
Underscoring the severity of the situation, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh issued his third emergency dispatch—a measure reserved for significant national events—directing all relevant ministries and local authorities to intensify their response.
The dispatch calls for:
Immediate Evacuation: Prioritizing the evacuation of residents from low-lying, high-risk areas to safety.
Search and Rescue: Mobilizing all available forces, including the military and police, to conduct search and rescue operations for those isolated by the floods.
Emergency Aid: Ensuring the rapid delivery of essential supplies, such as food, clean drinking water, and medicine, to cut-off communities.
Damage Control: Protecting critical infrastructure, including dams, reservoirs, and transportation links, and preparing for recovery efforts.
The situation remains complex, as the ground is completely saturated from weeks of persistent rain, making the region highly vulnerable to further landslides and flash floods. The immediate focus for all authorities is on mitigating the human and economic toll of this ongoing disaster.