CaliToday (17/11/2025): Central Vietnam is grappling with an unfolding humanitarian crisis as unprecedented rainfall triggers widespread flooding, with the ancient imperial city of Hue declared the epicenter of the natural disaster. Early this morning, floodwaters spectacularly breached Da Dam (Stone Dam) in the heart of the city, a visual marker of the severity of the situation.
Hue, renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage sites and tranquil Perfume River, has recorded the highest rainfall nationwide, turning major thoroughfares into raging torrents. Local authorities have responded by ordering students in low-lying areas to remain home and activating emergency siren warnings, a chilling sound echoing across the submerged urban landscape.
This marks the fourth major flood event to hit Hue in less than a month, pushing the resilience of its 350,000 residents to its breaking point. Families are increasingly exhausted by the constant cycle of evacuation, damage control, and recovery.
Beyond Hue: Widespread Devastation
The crisis extends far beyond Hue's imperial walls:
Khanh Hoa Province: Further south, the strategic Khanh Son Pass has been hit by severe landslides, cutting off vital transportation routes and isolating communities. Rescue teams are struggling to access affected areas amid the continuous downpour.
Broad Alert: The national weather agency has issued urgent warnings for exceptionally heavy rainfall to persist across a wide swathe of central Vietnam, from Ha Tinh and Quang Tri in the north down through Da Nang and Khanh Hoa. This indicates that the situation is likely to worsen before it improves.
Impact and Outlook
The relentless downpour, attributed to a combination of an active monsoon season and potential tropical influences, has already led to:
Infrastructure Damage: Roads, bridges, and agricultural land are severely impacted.
Displacement: Thousands of households are in urgent need of evacuation and emergency relief.
Economic Strain: The continuous flooding devastates livelihoods, particularly for farming and fishing communities, further impacting the region's economy which is still recovering from previous natural disasters.
Local officials are urging residents to exercise extreme caution, follow evacuation orders, and prepare for prolonged disruption. Emergency services are working tirelessly to rescue trapped individuals and provide aid, but the scale of the flooding presents formidable challenges. International aid organizations are closely monitoring the situation, ready to assist should the crisis escalate further.
As the rain continues to lash down, Central Vietnam faces a daunting battle against nature's fury, with communities rallying to support each other in the face of this historic meteorological event.