A Nation Of Resilience: The Struggles of Vietnam Against The Floods And Storms

Typhoon Kalmaegi brought powerful winds and heavy rain to central Vietnam, killing at least five people and leaving over 1.2 million households without power. Thousands of homes were damaged in provinces like Gia Lai and Dak Lak. Officials warn that climate change may be making such storms stronger and more frequent.

The Storm and its Impact on Vietnam

In early November 2025, Vietnam was struck by Typhoon Kalmaegi, one of the most powerful storms of the year. The typhoon brought torrential rain, destructive winds, and severe flooding to the central and highland regions, leaving a trail of damage and loss across several provinces.

According to official reports, at least five people were killed and more than 1.2 million households lost power as the storm swept through Gia Lai, Dak Lak, and Quang Ngai provinces. Over 2,700 houses were damaged, thousands of trees were uprooted, and transport networks were disrupted — including a major railway line that was partially washed away.

Before Kalmaegi made landfall, many areas had already been suffering from days of heavy rainfall and flooding. In some central provinces, up to 1.7 metres of rain fell within 24 hours, breaking national records and increasing the risk of landslides. The combination of saturated soil and strong winds made the situation even more dangerous for residents.

Government Response and Recovery Efforts

The Vietnamese government quickly took action to reduce the impact of the disaster. Rescue teams were deployed to assist affected communities, and thousands of people were evacuated to safer areas before the storm arrived. The government also allocated 80 billion VND  (approximately 3 million USD) in emergency aid to the most severely affected provinces.

Power companies and local authorities have been working tirelessly to restore electricity and repair damaged infrastructure. Schools in storm-hit areas were temporarily closed to ensure student safety, and relief packages, including food and clean water, were delivered to those in need.

The Bigger Picture

Experts have linked the increasing frequency and intensity of storms like Kalmaegi to climate change. Rising sea temperatures and changing weather patterns are contributing to heavier rainfall and more destructive typhoons in Southeast Asia. Vietnam, with its long coastline and mountainous terrain, is especially vulnerable to these extreme weather events.

To prepare for future disasters, Vietnam is investing in stronger flood defences, improving early warning systems, and developing long-term plans to make communities more resilient. These efforts aim to protect lives and reduce the damage caused by future storms.

A Message for the Future

The recent floods and typhoons serve as a reminder of how climate change is affecting our world today. For many families, the losses are personal — homes, livelihoods, and loved ones. For students like us, it is a lesson in awareness and responsibility. Understanding environmental issues and supporting sustainable actions are vital steps toward a safer and more resilient future.