Historic cities across central Vietnam, including the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Hue and Hoi An, are under water after record-breaking rainfall unleashed devastating floods that have forced mass evacuations and crippled transport across the region.
According to Vietnam’s meteorological agency, Hue recorded more than 1,085 millimeters (42 inches) of rain in just 24 hours, the heaviest rainfall ever documented in the country. The Perfume River, which flows through Hue, rose to 4.62 meters (15 feet), inundating homes, markets, and ancient temples.
In Hoi An, floodwaters have reached waist-deep levels in the old town, submerging centuries-old wooden shop houses and lantern-lit streets that usually draw thousands of tourists daily. More than 40,000 visitors have been evacuated by boat to higher ground, officials said.
Rail service between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City has been suspended, and large parts of central Vietnam are experiencing power outages and severe infrastructure damage. Authorities warn that more rain is expected in the coming days, raising fears of landslides in mountainous areas and further flooding in coastal provinces.
“This is the worst flooding we’ve seen in decades,” said a provincial disaster management official. “Entire neighborhoods are cut off, and rescue teams are working nonstop.”
The floods are a stark reminder of Vietnam’s growing vulnerability to climate-driven extreme weather, as scientists warn that rising global temperatures are intensifying storms and increasing rainfall across Southeast Asia.
Hue and Hoi An, both treasured for their cultural and architectural heritage, now face enormous recovery challenges. Preservation experts are particularly concerned about water damage to historic temples, wooden structures, and museums.
Economic losses are expected to be significant, with tourism a key pillar of Vietnam’s economy brought to a standstill.
International relief organizations and Vietnam’s disaster response forces are mobilizing emergency aid, though access to some flooded areas remains limited. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
