Manama: Vietnam's death toll from Typhoon Bualoi has risen to 19, with another 21 people still missing, the government reported on Tuesday. This makes Bualoi the most devastating storm to hit the country this year, as heavy rains have caused severe flooding in Hanoi and across northern provinces.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Bualoi made landfall on Monday in northern central Vietnam, bringing with it huge sea swells, strong winds, and downpours. Prior to reaching Vietnam, the typhoon had already claimed at least 10 lives in the Philippines.
The government detailed that 88 people have been injured, and more than 100,000 houses have been damaged, predominantly in Nghe An and Ha Tinh provinces. Additionally, over 10,000 hectares of rice and crops have been inundated.
The national weather agency reported that rainfall in several parts of Vietnam had exceeded 300 millimeters over the past 24 hours. They also warned of the risk of landslides and flash flooding.
In the capital city of Hanoi, streets were heavily flooded as persistent downpours, accompanied by thunder and lightning, led to paralyzed traffic in many downtown areas.
As of Tuesday, state media reported that several villages in northern central Vietnam remained flooded, with no traffic access or power. Floodwaters in Nghe An province rose close to the roof level of houses, as shown in footage by state broadcaster VTV.
Vietnam, with its long coastline facing the South China Sea, is particularly prone to typhoons, which often bring heavy rains that lead to severe flooding.