Vietnam Hit by Severe Travel Disruption as Deadly Floods Affect Popular Dak Lak Resulting Over 90 Dead, Thousands Affected

Published on November 24, 2025

In what can only be described as tragic, at least 90 people have died as a result of severe flooding and mudslides in Dak Lak, a province in Central Vietnam. Because of the floods, which began at the end of October, people in thousands of villages have been cut off and entire settlements have been overwhelmed with water. While atrocities of this sort are always difficult, the scene of devastation makes the situation worse. Hence, countless people are still believed to be in affected homes within the disaster zone as search and rescue attempts continue in difficult and dangerous conditions.

With all of the region’s historical disasters, Dak Lak has always been a beautiful coffee region in the country, but flooding has always been a disaster the country has had to deal with. With the floods and the remoteness of the province, the Vietnam Ministry of Environment has reported more than 60 people have died in that province and there are numerous areas that are impossible to reach with the floods. Emergency services are overwhelmed, and the military and police are working to evacuate and provide assistance to the remaining citizens.

Travel Disruption in Vietnam’s Central Region as Floods Devastate Dak Lak

The once-thriving central region of Vietnam, which attracts both locals and international visitors for its coffee tours, beautiful landscapes, and serene beaches, has been severely impacted by the recent storms. The relentless downpour has caused rivers to overflow, with the Ba River in Dak Lak breaking a 1993 record, and the Cai River in Khánh Hòa province also experiencing unprecedented surges.

As of now, travel to the region has been disrupted, with popular destinations like Hoi An and Quy Nhon facing significant challenges due to flooding. Images from these areas show streets submerged under water, resembling canals, making it impossible for tourists and locals to move about freely. Tourism, which is a major industry in the region, has been halted, with authorities advising against any non-essential travel to affected areas.

Affected Regions: The Central Coast and Dak Lak

The flooding has not only taken lives but has also caused significant economic damage. According to Vietnam’s disaster response agency, over 235,000 homes have been flooded, while nearly 80,000 hectares of crops, including coffee, have been destroyed. Local authorities have been working tirelessly to bring food, water, and emergency supplies to areas hardest hit by the floods. In some locations, hospitals have been cut off by rising waters, leaving doctors and patients to survive on limited supplies.

Emergency responders have been using boats to reach stranded residents, prying open windows and breaking through roofs in a desperate attempt to evacuate people from the deluge. State-run media reported that many hospitals, such as those in the coastal city of Quy Nhon, have faced extreme conditions, with medical staff and patients relying on instant noodles and bottled water for sustenance during the worst of the floods.

Vietnam’s Response to the Flooding Crisis

The Vietnamese government has moved swiftly to mobilize resources and provide assistance to those affected. Along with military personnel, police forces have been deployed to evacuate residents and ensure that essential supplies are delivered to those in need. The government’s national disaster agency has confirmed that the damage has reached an estimated 8.98 trillion VND (approximately $341 million), with recovery efforts expected to take months.

Officials have also warned that the floods could worsen as more heavy rain is expected over the coming days. The government is urging people to avoid traveling to flood-affected areas unless absolutely necessary. Meanwhile, floodwaters have continued to rise in some of the hardest-hit regions, including Dak Lak and Gia Lai provinces, where numerous people are still missing.

The Growing Threat of Climate Change and Extreme Weather in Vietnam

Vietnam’s vulnerability to extreme weather is well-documented, with the country regularly facing the brunt of tropical storms, heavy rains, and floods. The recent floods are a stark reminder of the growing intensity and frequency of such events, which experts attribute in part to climate change. Scientific studies have highlighted that human-driven climate change is increasing the likelihood of extreme weather patterns, making such natural disasters more frequent and destructive.

Between January and October 2025 alone, extreme weather events across Vietnam have claimed the lives of 279 people and caused damages amounting to more than $2 billion. While Vietnam has long been prone to seasonal flooding, this year’s storms have proven particularly severe, raising concerns about the country’s preparedness for such crises.

What’s Next for Vietnam’s Flood Recovery?

As the floodwaters slowly recede, authorities are focusing on the long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts. The Vietnamese government has promised to assist affected communities with rebuilding their homes and providing compensation for lost crops. International aid is also expected to play a key role in the recovery process, as many communities are facing significant challenges in accessing resources and support.

The tragic loss of life, coupled with the widespread damage to homes and crops, has left the central provinces of Vietnam reeling. But despite the devastation, the people of Vietnam are showing resilience in the face of adversity. The response from local authorities, military personnel, and everyday citizens working together to help those in need has been nothing short of heroic.

Conclusion: Vietnam’s Struggle with Climate Change and Natural Disasters

While the current flooding disaster in Dak Lak and surrounding provinces is heartbreaking, it highlights a larger issue facing Vietnam and other Southeast Asian nations—climate change and its devastating effects on vulnerable populations. As Vietnam continues to grapple with more frequent and severe weather events, it is clear that both local and global action is needed to mitigate the impact of such disasters in the future. In the meantime, the people of Vietnam continue to show remarkable strength and determination as they work to rebuild their lives.