Vietnam Braces for New Storm as Deadly Floods Leave Over 100 Dead or Missing

Vietnam is preparing for yet another powerful storm as communities in the south-central region reel from the country’s deadliest floods in years, which have left more than 100 people dead or missing.

Typhoon Verbena entered the South China Sea early on Nov 26 and is expected to intensify over the next 24 to 48 hours, according to Japanese and Hong Kong meteorological agencies. The storm is forecast to move westward across open waters on Nov 27, slow down after Nov 28, and weaken later in the week.

Authorities warn that Verbena could trigger another round of heavy rain from Nov 28, raising fears of fresh landslides and flash floods in areas already devastated by days of torrential downpours.

As of 5.30pm on Nov 25, at least 108 people had been reported dead or missing, including 98 confirmed deaths, with Dak Lak and Khanh Hoa among the hardest-hit provinces. More than 202,000 homes were inundated, over 400 houses collapsed, and economic losses have risen to 13.08 trillion Vietnamese dong (S$645 mln).

Military Region 5 convened an emergency meeting on Nov 25 to coordinate storm preparations. Colonel Phan Dai Nghia ordered units to halt non-essential activities and mobilize personnel and equipment for rapid response. Border Guard forces were instructed to work with local officials to ensure the safety of vessels at sea and relay warnings to shipowners.

Three working teams have been deployed to Gia Lai, Dak Lak and Khanh Hoa to assist with flood prevention efforts and readiness ahead of Verbena’s landfall.

«We must concentrate all resources on responding to Storm Verbena,» Col Nghia said, stressing the need to improve on shortcomings exposed during last week’s floods.

Verbena is the 15th storm to form in the South China Sea this year, marking one of the region’s busiest typhoon seasons since 2017.