Hanoi: Vietnam is grappling with another wave of severe flooding this week, resulting in the deaths of 10 people and causing damage to the World Heritage sites of Hoi An and Hue.
According to Thai News Agency, Vietnam's Disaster Management Agency reported that heavy rains have battered several coastal provinces in central Vietnam, leading to the severe flooding that has claimed 10 lives and left eight people missing. The most affected areas include Danang, known for its popular beaches, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Over 128,000 homes across five central provinces have been flooded, with water levels reaching up to three meters. The floodwaters and landslides have damaged roads, cut off access in certain areas, and destroyed more than 1,000 hectares of crops. Additionally, over 16,000 livestock have perished.
The UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An has been severely impacted, with the town turning into a network of canals due to the highest river levels in 60 years. Residents have resorted to using wooden boats and wading through waist-deep water, as the ground floors of homes and shops lie submerged. Vietnam's National Meteorological Administration noted that the water level on the Thu Bon River, which traverses Da Nang and Hoi An, reached 5.62 meters, surpassing the historic 1964 level. Heavy rains continued to affect Hue, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Although water levels have begun to recede in Da Nang and Hue, they remain concerning.
Vietnam has faced significant natural disasters this year, with storms, floods, and landslides claiming at least 187 lives or leaving individuals missing in the first nine months. The total economic damage is estimated at over US$610 million.