Relentless rains and floods have killed at least 41 people in central Vietnam since the weekend, according to state media reports, with search operations still underway for nine individuals who remain unaccounted for. The deluge has submerged over 52,000 homes and left half a million households and businesses without power. Tens of thousands have been evacuated from areas impacted by the flooding.

In some regions, rainfall has surpassed 1.5 meters (5 feet) over the past three days, even exceeding the peak flood levels recorded in 1993 by rising above 5.2 meters in certain locations. The widespread devastation follows a series of extreme weather events, including the recent typhoons Kalmaegi and Bualoi, which wreaked havoc on Vietnam in quick succession.

Photographs and reports illustrate that areas like Hoi An and Nha Trang have been hit particularly hard, leading to declarations of state emergency as landslides have compromised vital transportation routes. Many residents have found themselves stranded or forced onto rooftops as floodwaters rapidly ascend. Meanwhile, officials have stated that military and police forces are mobilizing to support recovery efforts and provide urgent relief.

Natural disasters have cost Vietnam approximately $2 billion (£1.5 billion) in damage from January to October of this year. With farmers in critical agricultural zones, like the Dak Lak province, facing halted coffee harvests due to prior storms, the economic implications are a significant concern going forward. Weather forecasts suggest these dangerous conditions may persist until at least the upcoming weekend.

Officials are also raising alarms about the effects of climate change, which experts believe is intensifying weather phenomena, resulting in more frequent and severe natural disasters.