CaliToday (03/11/2025): Da Nang faces 'chaotic' flooding and major rivers are set to burst their banks, as a separate, deadly dam breach in Lam Dong is now linked to an "unlicensed" reservoir.
Central Vietnam is reeling this afternoon, November 3, from a catastrophic series of floods and landslides following relentless, torrential rain that lashed the region overnight.
Official figures updated this afternoon confirm a devastating human toll: at least 42 people are dead or missing, with an additional 60 injured. The severe weather has destroyed property on a massive scale, with authorities reporting that over 90 homes have already collapsed or been completely swept away by the violent floodwaters.
Emergency Floods Paralyze Da Nang and Hue
An active emergency situation is unfolding in the region's major cities. Relentless, heavy rain has caused river levels to swell dangerously fast.
Major Rivers at Tipping Point: Authorities have issued urgent warnings for major rivers, including the Huong and Bo rivers in Hue, and the Vu Gia and Thu Bon rivers in Da Nang and Quang Nam. Floodwaters are rising rapidly, with peak levels forecasted to surge past Alarm Level 3 the highest emergency warning sometime this afternoon.
Urban Chaos in Da Nang: The city of Da Nang is severely inundated. Widespread re-flooding has submerged streets, leading to "chaotic" traffic conditions as residents struggle to navigate the deluge. The situation is so severe that a sinkhole has reportedly opened at the Hoa Khanh social housing complex, caused by the force of the fast-flowing water.
Deadly Landslides and Infrastructure Collapse
The saturated ground has given way in multiple locations, triggering deadly landslides.
In Da Nang’s Phuoc Thanh commune, a mudslide buried six homes. Rescue teams worked frantically and managed to save one person who was trapped in the debris.
Elsewhere, major transport arteries have been severed. National Highway 9C is reported to be "severely damaged" by landslides, cutting off a key route and hampering rescue and relief efforts.
Unlicensed Dam Breach in Lam Dong
Compounding the regional crisis, new details have emerged about the deadly reservoir breach in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong, which was first reported this morning.
Authorities investigating the incident, which saw a mountain reservoir burst and send a torrent of mud and water into a residential area, have made a disturbing discovery: the structure was reportedly "not a licensed item" and was not included in the official permits for the project. The unlicensed dam's failure has already been linked to several fatalities, adding a layer of human error to the natural disaster.