Heavy Rains Trigger Flooding and Landslides Across Northern Vietnam

May 23, 2025 – Northern Vietnam is grappling with widespread flooding and landslides following prolonged heavy rainfall that has severely disrupted daily life, damaged infrastructure, and posed significant safety risks to residents.

In the early hours of May 23, torrential rains lashed provinces including Tuyên Quang, Yên Bái, and Lào Cai, resulting in serious consequences for both rural and urban areas.

Tuyên Quang Suffers Widespread Disruption

In Tuyên Quang Province, heavy downpours from the night of May 22 into the following morning inundated numerous roads and communities. According to official reports, the provincial capital saw extensive waterlogging that caused severe traffic congestion. Particularly alarming was the uprooting of trees near Tân Quang Lake, posing hazards to commuters.

Several districts including Yên Sơn, Sơn Dương, and Hàm Yên reported the flooding of agricultural fields, particularly those used for maize and other crops. At Xuân Lập Boarding Primary and Secondary School in Lâm Bình District, part of the sanitation facility collapsed into a nearby stream. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as students had been on break for the past three days.

Infrastructure Damaged in Lào Cai

Lào Cai Province experienced moderate to extremely heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and whirlwinds. These conditions inflicted damage on agricultural activities and transport routes across districts such as Văn Bàn, Bảo Thắng, Bát Xát, Sa Pa, and the city of Lào Cai.

Key roads including National Highway 4E, Provincial Road 161, and National Highway 4D were partially blocked by landslides and flash flooding. Within Lào Cai City itself, streets such as extended Trần Hưng Đạo, Lê Thanh, and Cầu Xum were submerged, severely affecting local traffic.

Floodwaters Rise in Yên Bái

Yên Bái also reported significant urban flooding. Roads such as Lê Văn Tám and Nguyễn Thái Học in Yên Bái City were submerged, forcing vehicles to a standstill. The provincial Hydro-Meteorological Center has issued warnings of a potential flood wave from May 23 to May 25, with river levels on the Hồng, Ngòi Thia, Ngòi Hút, and Nậm Kim rivers expected to rise by 2–5 meters, possibly reaching and exceeding Alarm Level 1.

Authorities have flagged a high risk of flash floods and landslides in mountainous districts including Mù Cang Chải, Trạm Tấu, Văn Chấn, Văn Yên, Trấn Yên, Lục Yên, Yên Bình, Nghĩa Lộ, and the city of Yên Bái.

Public Advised to Stay Vigilant

Local governments across the affected regions are mobilizing emergency response teams to assess damages and provide support to impacted communities. Residents in vulnerable areas are urged to remain alert to weather updates and follow evacuation guidelines if necessary.

As Northern Vietnam enters a period of heightened hydrometeorological activity, the situation remains fluid, with authorities closely monitoring rainfall patterns and river levels to mitigate further risks.

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Source: Vietnam Insider