Vietnam’s death toll from Typhoon Bualoi has risen to 19, with 21 people still missing, according to government officials. The storm is now the most destructive to hit the country this year, as heavy rains triggered severe flooding across Hanoi and northern provinces.
The typhoon made landfall in northern central Vietnam on Monday, bringing powerful winds, massive sea swells, and intense downpours. Rainfall exceeded 300 millimeters in some areas within 24 hours, causing landslides, flash floods, and widespread destruction.
In the capital Hanoi, streets turned into rivers. Traffic was paralyzed, homes were submerged, and several districts lost electricity. Many rural areas were cut off, leaving villages stranded with limited access to emergency aid.
Authorities reported that at least 88 people have been injured. More than 100,000 houses suffered damage, mostly in Nghe An and Ha Tinh provinces. Over 10,000 hectares of rice fields and crops were left underwater, raising concerns about food supplies.
Before reaching Vietnam, Typhoon Bualoi had already swept through the Philippines, killing at least 10 people. The storm has also affected Thailand, where officials are still assessing damages.
Vietnam’s national weather agency has warned that heavy rainfall will continue in the coming days. Mountainous regions remain at risk of landslides, while low-lying areas face further flooding. Rescue teams are working to reach missing fishermen and isolated households.
Emergency workers are also trying to restore power and deliver supplies to affected communities. Boats, helicopters, and ground teams have been deployed to deliver food and medical aid where roads remain blocked.
The scale of the disaster highlights Vietnam’s growing vulnerability to tropical storms. Experts warn that rising sea levels and changing climate patterns could make typhoons like Bualoi more frequent and intense. These challenges are prompting governments worldwide to rethink preparedness and community resilience, much like Abu Dhabi’s recent introduction of a new code of ethics for teachers, which emphasizes responsibility and accountability in another critical sector.
For Vietnam, the focus now shifts to recovery. Rebuilding homes, restoring farmland, and strengthening defenses against future storms will be vital in the months ahead.
