Severe flooding hits central Vietnam, historic cities submerged

Heavy rains have caused major flooding across central Vietnam, with swollen rivers submerging homes, farmland, and tourist destinations, including the historic cities of Hue and Hoi An.

In the central city of Hue, rainfall reached 1,085 millimeters in just 24 hours by October 27, marking the highest volume ever recorded in Vietnam, according to the country’s meteorological department. By the morning of October 28, water levels in Hue’s iconic Perfume River had risen to 4.62 meters, leaving streets waist-deep in the UNESCO-listed former imperial capital and in the ancient town of Hoi An, Caliber.Az reports via AP. 

Authorities evacuated tourists by boat from Hoi An after persistent rains and hydroelectric dam releases caused the Hoai River to rise nearly two meters. State media reported that around 40,000 tourists were relocated to other hotels. A hotelier near the Thu Bon River in Hoi An explained that the flood was rising rapidly, forcing staff to quickly move guests to safer hotels outside the affected area, while only securing the doors of the flooded premises.

In Hue, homes were submerged and major streets became impassable, with residents relying on boats for transportation. The train route between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City was suspended, affecting thousands of passengers.

On the evening of October 27, Vietnam’s railways reportedly placed 19 carriages loaded with 980 tons of heavy stones on a bridge to prevent it from being swept away by floodwaters.

Rural areas in Thua Thien Hue province were particularly hard-hit, with about 1,000 people isolated by flooding and landslides, including 200 children under the care of Australian nonprofit Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation.

By Sabina Mammadli