Record-breaking floods have engulfed streets and homes in Vietnam, leaving tens of thousands of individuals stranded, with a death toll of at least eight so far this week. In Thai Nguyen city, situated about 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Hanoi, floodwaters have surged to the point of submerging cars and rooftops, trapping many residents indoors and prompting others to evacuate.
According to the environment ministry, eight fatalities have been reported due to flash floods and landslides in Vietnam’s mountainous northern region since Monday, while five individuals remain unaccounted for. Describing the situation, local resident Nguyen Van Nguyen shared with AFP his disbelief, stating, “I have never witnessed such a terrible flood since I was born 60 years ago. There has never been flooding here in my street but now my ground floor is all submerged.”
To aid in rescue and relief operations, the military has deployed 30,000 personnel and numerous boats. Additionally, three helicopters were utilized to deliver essential supplies, including water, instant noodles, dry cakes, milk, and lifejackets, to residents in flooded areas of Lang Son province. State media reported that from late Tuesday to Wednesday, Vietnam experienced the highest flood levels on three rivers in the northern region in nearly four decades. The Trung river in Lang Son, bordering China, was projected to crest at almost two meters (6.5 feet) above the previous record level, as per Vietnam state television.