As heavy rains continue to batter parts of central and northern Vietnam, the situation is becoming increasingly precarious for residents in Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, and Khanh Hoa provinces. Soil moisture levels have reached near saturation or full saturation in many areas, setting the stage for a heightened risk of flash floods and landslides in the coming hours.
The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting has issued warnings predicting that, over the next three to six hours, rainfall will persist with accumulations ranging from 20 to 50 millimeters in Nghe An, Ha Tinh, and Quang Binh, with some locations experiencing more than 80 millimeters. Khanh Hoa province is expected to see between 15 to 30 millimeters of rain, with isolated spots receiving over 50 millimeters.
These conditions have raised alarms for flash floods on small rivers and streams, as well as landslides on slopes in several districts. In Nghe An, the districts of Thanh Chuong, Anh Son, Con Cuong, Tan Ky, and Tuong Duong are particularly vulnerable. Ha Tinh’s districts of Huong Son, Huong Khe, Duc Tho, Vu Quang, Can Loc, and Cam Xuyen, along with Minh Hoa and Tuyen Hoa in Quang Binh, and Khanh Son and Khanh Vinh in Khanh Hoa, are also at significant risk.
The dangers posed by these natural hazards are not abstract. They threaten lives, disrupt transportation by blocking roads, and damage vital infrastructure, leading to broader economic and social consequences. Flash floods and landslides can devastate agricultural activities, destroy homes, and paralyze local economies, compounding the hardship faced by communities already grappling with the challenges of severe weather.
On June 4, 2025, the Viet Bac and Southwest regions of Vietnam experienced showers and thunderstorms, with some areas seeing heavy localized rain. For instance, Long Phuc in Lao Cai recorded 55.6 millimeters of rain, while Huong My in Ben Tre saw a substantial 80.2 millimeters between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. that day. Forecasts for the evening and night predict scattered showers and thunderstorms in the Northwest, Viet Bac, and Southern regions, with some spots receiving over 50 millimeters of rain. Thunderstorms may bring whirlwinds, lightning, hail, and strong gusts, further exacerbating the risk of flash floods, landslides, and localized flooding in low-lying areas.
Among the hardest-hit communities is Nhon Mai commune in Tuong Duong district, Nghe An province. On the evening of June 4, heavy rains caused river and stream levels to rise rapidly, intensifying erosion and landslides on sections of waterways and roads that were still recovering from a devastating flash flood on the night of May 29.
As of the morning of June 5, the road connecting Xoi Voi village to Co Ha village in Nhon Mai has been flooded, eroded, and temporarily cut off. This disruption affects approximately 70 households in Xoi Voi and 30 in Co Ha, isolating residents and complicating daily life. The situation is especially dire because this road is part of National Highway 16, a critical artery that has suffered severe collapse and breakage, rendering it impassable.
Local authorities have promptly issued warnings, advising residents to avoid traveling on the compromised road segment to ensure their safety. They have also mobilized efforts to support those impacted by the ongoing natural disasters. With the unusual weather threatening crops, particularly rice fields yet to be harvested, officials and local forces are working alongside villagers to expedite the harvest and move crops to safer, elevated locations.
By June 4, about 90% of the rice fields in Nhon Mai had been harvested, thanks in part to the assistance of officers and soldiers from the Nhon Mai Border Guard Post. These forces have been actively helping villagers in the Tham Tham, Xoi Voi, and Nhon Mai villages to prevent crop losses from prolonged water exposure, which can cause premature sprouting and ruin the harvest.
Among the most severely affected are three households in Nhon Mai village: Mr. Vi Van Hue (born 1987), Ms. Lo Thi Hoai (born 1984), and Ms. Vi Thi Huong (born 1984). Their combined damaged rice fields cover approximately 1,000 square meters. The border guards have focused efforts on supporting these families, recognizing the critical need for targeted aid.
Beyond immediate disaster response, a wave of solidarity has emerged. Numerous organizations, businesses, and community groups have stepped forward to provide monetary donations, food supplies, and essential goods to the residents of Nhon Mai affected by the flash floods. This collective support is vital in helping families recover and rebuild their lives amid ongoing challenges.
The unfolding situation in central and northern Vietnam underscores the urgent need for continued vigilance and preparedness as the rainy season progresses. With soil moisture levels already high and heavy rains forecast to continue, the risks of flash floods and landslides remain alarmingly elevated. The experiences of communities like those in Nhon Mai serve as a stark reminder of nature’s power and the resilience required to face it.
Local governments and weather agencies continue to monitor conditions closely, issuing timely forecasts and warnings to help mitigate risks. Meanwhile, residents are urged to stay informed, heed safety advisories, and support one another through these difficult times.
As the rains persist, the hope is that coordinated efforts between authorities, communities, and support organizations will minimize harm and facilitate recovery, ensuring that even in the face of adversity, life can gradually return to normal for those affected.
