Record Rain Floods Central Vietnam, Thousands Evacuated

Central Vietnam has experienced historic flooding following record-breaking rainfall, with over one meter of rain falling in 24 hours in the city of Hue, surpassing the previous record set in 1999. This unprecedented rainfall submerged Hue and other areas, including the ancient town of Hoi An, forcing the evacuation of thousands of residents and tourists due to severe flooding and landslide risks. Floodwaters have reached depths of up to two meters in some areas, causing power outages, school closures, and disruptions to transportation such as railway delays and suspended train services. The government reported that more than 8,600 people have been relocated to safer locations, and tens of thousands across central provinces are affected by blackouts and cut-off transport. The flooding has also damaged historic UNESCO World Heritage sites, and the situation remains critical with ongoing heavy rains forecasted. Experts highlight that human-induced climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of such extreme weather events in Vietnam.