Flooding in Vietnam has recently claimed at least 10 lives, with water levels in a key river reaching a 60-year high, reports indicate. The coastal provinces, including the UNESCO world heritage site Hoi An, have seen relentless rain, totaling up to 1,700 millimeters within just 24 hours.
More than 128,000 homes in five central provinces are under water, with depths reaching 3 meters in some places. The Ministry of Environment reports that eight people are still missing, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
Vietnam’s unique geography makes it susceptible to heavy rains and typhoons, particularly from June to September. Climate experts like Nguyen Phuong Loan from the University of New South Wales point out that while fewer storms may be on the horizon, the storms we do see are likely to be more intense due to climate change. A warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, which translates to heavier rain and a higher risk of flash floods, especially in crowded urban areas.
With a vast coastline of 3,200 kilometers and a network of 2,300 rivers, Vietnam faces ongoing flooding risks. The natural drainage systems are often overwhelmed due to the shape of the land, compounded by urbanization and environmental degradation. Nguyen Lan Oanh, a meteorological expert, notes that deforestation and the construction of drainage canals have also made flooding worse. She urges a shift in how we interact with the environment for a safer future.
Recent flooding events have exacerbated an already troubling situation. In the first nine months of this year, natural disasters, including storms and landslides, led to 187 deaths or disappearances. Last year, Typhoon Yagi was particularly devastating, causing an estimated $1.6 billion in economic losses.
In response, Vietnam has taken steps to improve early warning systems. Ralf Toumi from Imperial College London emphasizes the need for better infrastructure as the country develops. The government has issued evacuation orders and is working to fortify dykes, drainage systems, and sea barriers in vulnerable regions like the Red River and Mekong deltas. Following severe landslides caused by Typhoon Yagi, a village in northern Lao Cai province was even relocated to safer ground.
However, experts like Brad Jessup from the University of Melbourne point out that focusing solely on disaster infrastructure without addressing underlying risks may lead to a cycle of increasing needs for protection. The financial burden of climate adaptation remains heavy, and wealthy nations have not fulfilled their commitments to climate funding for developing countries like Vietnam. According to the United Nations, despite promises made in 2021 to double adaptation financing by 2025, funding has actually declined.
While Vietnam is taking definitive steps to mitigate disaster risks, the fight against climate change is ongoing, requiring cooperation and commitment from around the globe. As extreme weather becomes more frequent, finding effective solutions will be crucial for the safety and well-being of vulnerable communities.
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Climate change, Vietnam, floods, Southeast Asia
