The ancient town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its lantern-lit streets and centuries-old wooden houses, woke up on November 1, 2025, to a daunting task: cleaning up after some of the worst flooding in living memory. Days of relentless, torrential rain had battered Vietnam’s central region, leaving behind a trail of devastation that locals say they had never seen before. The deluge did not just soak the town’s picturesque streets—it swamped livelihoods, upended daily routines, and left thousands grappling with loss and uncertainty.
According to Reuters, the flooding was so severe that Hoi An’s signature wooden homes—many of which have stood for centuries—were inundated, their foundations weakened and their contents swept away. As the waters finally began to recede, the true extent of the damage became painfully clear. Shop owners and residents, many still in shock, rolled up their sleeves to clear thick mud from storefronts and homes. Broken furniture, waterlogged goods, and debris lined the streets as people worked tirelessly to salvage what they could.
“Everything was swept away by the floodwaters, causing significant damage,” said Dang Quoc Dat, a 40-year-old restaurant owner, as quoted by Reuters. He surveyed the remains of his business, noting, “What is left was broken furniture that would need to be replaced... but I’m determined to overcome this challenge alongside other business owners in the town.” The sentiment echoed throughout Hoi An, where resilience seemed to be the order of the day, even as the scale of the disaster set in.
Vietnam’s storm season typically runs from June to October, bringing with it the risk of deadly storms and flooding. But this year, the rains persisted into November, catching many off guard and testing the limits of the region’s preparedness. The country’s disaster agency, as reported by Reuters, confirmed that the central region had been battered by heavy rains leading to flash floods and landslides. The toll was grim: at least 29 people dead and five still missing. Over 22,000 houses remained submerged, and nearly 100,000 residents were left without power as of November 1.
For a town that relies heavily on tourism, the timing could not have been worse. Hoi An’s economy is built around its historic charm, drawing visitors from around the world to stroll its ancient lanes, sample its cuisine, and marvel at its architecture. With the streets now caked in mud and many businesses shuttered, the prospect of reopening soon seemed daunting. Yet, hope persisted. Shop owners busied themselves with repairs, from fixing furniture to restoring electrical connections, all in the hope of welcoming tourists again as soon as possible.
Small business owners bore the brunt of the financial losses. Many reported damages amounting to hundreds of millions of dong—a staggering sum for family-run establishments. Dao Thi Diu, a 38-year-old painting store owner, put it plainly: “We have to keep trying, this is our livelihood. Giving up now just isn’t an option.” Her determination, shared by many in the community, underscored the stakes for those whose entire income depends on the steady flow of visitors and the preservation of Hoi An’s unique heritage.
But the challenges were not over. Authorities warned that heavy rain was expected to continue in central Vietnam, with some areas forecast to receive over 700 millimeters—an amount that could easily push river levels past their breaking point and trigger renewed flooding. The specter of more rain loomed large, forcing residents to work quickly to shore up their homes and businesses, even as they cleaned up from the last round of devastation.
Vietnam, as a whole, is no stranger to natural disasters. The country’s long coastline and mountainous terrain make it particularly vulnerable to storms, typhoons, and flooding. Each year, communities brace for the worst, but the intensity and unpredictability of recent weather events have left many questioning whether traditional coping mechanisms are enough. According to Reuters, the government had yet to release official estimates of the total financial damage, but the anecdotal evidence from Hoi An and surrounding areas painted a picture of widespread hardship.
In Hoi An, the response to the flooding was swift and communal. Neighbors helped one another clear debris, salvage belongings, and share resources. Power crews worked around the clock to restore electricity to the nearly 100,000 residents left in the dark. Local authorities coordinated relief efforts, but with so many homes still underwater and the risk of further rain, the situation remained precarious.
The loss of life was a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by extreme weather. Flash floods and landslides in the central region claimed at least 29 lives, with five people still unaccounted for. For families affected by these tragedies, the cleanup was about more than just property—it was about mourning loved ones and rebuilding shattered communities.
Tourism, the lifeblood of Hoi An, faces an uncertain future. The town’s historic beauty has always been its selling point, but the impact of climate change and increasingly erratic weather patterns threaten its very existence. Local officials and business owners alike are now grappling with difficult questions about how to adapt. Should they invest in more robust flood defenses? Can they afford to restore ancient buildings repeatedly battered by storms? And will tourists return, or will the images of flooded streets and damaged landmarks keep them away?
Yet, in the midst of adversity, the spirit of Hoi An’s people shines through. As Dao Thi Diu so aptly put it, “Giving up now just isn’t an option.” The determination to rebuild, to protect their heritage, and to support one another may be the town’s greatest asset as it faces an uncertain future.
As the cleanup continues and the rains threaten to return, the people of Hoi An are reminded of both the fragility and the resilience of their community. The floodwaters may have receded, but the work of recovery is only just beginning. For now, the lanterns of Hoi An will burn a little dimmer, but there is hope that, with time and effort, the town will once again shine as brightly as ever.
