Torrential rains have triggered catastrophic flooding in the Central Highlands and South Central Coast, leaving 68 people dead or missing and tens of thousands of homes under water. River levels remain dangerously high, threatening downstream communities.

According to the latest report at 6:00 a.m. on November 22, the floods continue to cause widespread destruction across provinces in the Central Highlands and South Central region. Many areas remain cut off, and tens of thousands of households are submerged.

The Department of Dike Management and Disaster Prevention reported that between 7:00 p.m. on November 21 and 5:00 a.m. on November 22, light rains under 30mm fell across Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Khanh Hoa, and Lam Dong. Forecasts for November 22 show rainfall of 30–60mm - possibly over 120mm - in the eastern parts of provinces from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak and northern Khanh Hoa.

On November 23, the rains are expected to spread to Thua Thien – Hue, Da Nang, and eastern areas of Gia Lai, with totals between 30–70mm and some areas exceeding 120mm.

Rivers reach alarming levels

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Floodwaters on the Srepok and Krong Ana rivers in Dak Lak exceeded Level 3 alerts. Photo: V.N

As of 5:00 a.m. on November 22, rivers remain dangerously high. In Dak Lak, the Krong Ana River in Giang Son reached 426.06m - more than 2m above Level 3 alert. The Srepok River in Ban Don measured 177.46m, surpassing Level 3 by 3.46m and still rising. In Khanh Hoa, the Dinh Ninh Hoa River stood at 5.97m, about 0.27m above Level 3. The Ba River in Cung Son (Dak Lak) measured 31.7m, slightly below Level 2.

In the next 24 hours, water levels are expected to remain high, and may exceed alert thresholds, posing serious flood and landslide risks.

68 dead or missing, over 28,000 homes flooded

Human casualties are rising rapidly, with 55 confirmed dead and 13 missing. Dak Lak is the hardest hit, with 27 fatalities and 8 missing persons.

In terms of property loss, 946 homes - mostly in Lam Dong - have been damaged. Another 28,460 homes are currently flooded across Gia Lai, Dak Lak, and Khanh Hoa. Nearly 79,908 hectares of rice and crops and 100,014 hectares of perennial trees have been destroyed.

More than 3.2 million livestock and poultry have been killed or swept away. Over 1,157 hectares of aquaculture have been affected.

Road infrastructure has been paralyzed, with 16 national highways and 180 provincial or inter-commune routes blocked. Railway services through Central Vietnam have been suspended due to flooding and landslides.

More than 1.17 million electricity customers have been affected. As of the morning of November 22, around 377,002 customers remain without power. Initial economic damage is estimated at over 8.98 trillion VND (approx. 367 million USD).

Government responds with emergency measures

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Flooded roadways washed out in Dak Lak Province. Photo: Hai Duong

On November 22, Politburo Standing Member Tran Cam Tu inspected the affected areas in Khanh Hoa and directed disaster response efforts.

Previously, the Politburo issued Notice No. 99 on flood recovery measures, and the Prime Minister issued Directive No. 226, emphasizing better management of national reserves for emergency support.

On November 21, the Prime Minister signed a decision granting 700 billion VND (approx. 28.6 million USD) in emergency aid to Khanh Hoa, Lam Dong, Gia Lai, and Dak Lak for disaster recovery.

Dak Lak declares state of emergency

As of 8:00 p.m. on November 21, Dak Lak reported 27 deaths, 8 missing, and 2 injuries. Around 150,000 homes have been submerged.

Infrastructure losses are estimated at 1 trillion VND (approx. 40.8 million USD). Livestock losses are estimated at 830 billion VND (33.9 million USD), aquaculture losses at 2 trillion VND (81.6 million USD), and crop damage at 1.5 trillion VND (61.2 million USD).

The province's total estimated damage stands at nearly 5.33 trillion VND (approx. 217 million USD), excluding household property.

The Chairman of Dak Lak Province has declared a state of emergency across 40 communes.

Irrigation experts have criticized the erratic water release from hydropower dams. Operating at mid-levels before abruptly discharging water has made downstream flood control reactive and ineffective, placing communities at risk with little warning.

Vu Diep & Hai Duong