One dead, hundreds evacuated as floods sweep northern Vietnam
Flash floods triggered by intense rainfall killed one person and damaged homes, farmland, and infrastructure across northern Vietnam on June 8 and 9, 2025. Authorities reported widespread flooding and landslides in Lai Chau and Lao Cai provinces, where rescue and relief operations were underway. A tropical low in the East Sea may intensify into a tropical storm by June 11, threatening further disruption.
Image credit: JMA/Himawari-9, Zoom Earth, The Watchers. Acquired at 08:30 UTC on June 10, 2025
Flash flooding caused by heavy rainfall affected multiple northern provinces of Vietnam from June 8 to 9, as a tropical low-pressure system developed in the northern East Sea. Lai Chau and Lao Cai provinces experienced the most severe impacts, including one confirmed death and extensive agricultural and infrastructure damage.
In Ban Giang commune, Tam Duong district, Lai Chau Province, local police rescued eight people trapped in a mountain shack surrounded by floodwaters while authorities evacuated 10 households to safer areas. One person died in flash floods in Lai Chau city, where flooding destroyed 65 ha (160 acres) of rice and 16 ha (40 acres) of fishponds.
The same district reported damage to 76 homes, including 74 in Ban Giang. Over 350 officers and soldiers were deployed to assist with emergency response and aid distribution.
In Muong Khoa commune, Tan Uyen district, rainfall reached 256 mm (10 inches) at 06:00 LT on June 8, disrupting transportation and isolating communities. Local authorities initiated road clearance and relief operations.
Flash flooding inundated Muong Khuong town in Lao Cai Province at 09:00 LT on June 9, damaging more than 20 ha (50 acres) of crops. Streets and homes were flooded, prompting the deployment of heavy machinery and emergency personnel.
Landslides and mudslides disrupted traffic along National Highway 4D, connecting Lai Chau and Lao Cai, at 10:00 LT on June 9, complicating relief logistics and movement between affected areas.
The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) reported a tropical low-pressure system in East Sea has a 90% chance of forming into a tropical depression within 24 hours and a 60–70% chance of developing into a tropical storm by June 11–12. The system is slowly moving westward, maintaining instability in the region.
Rainfall data collected through June 9 confirmed 115 mm (4.5 inches) in Lung Ha (Yen Bai), 88 mm (3.5 inches) in Yen Hoa (Tuyen Quang), and 75 mm (3 inches) in Vinh Phuc and Ha Giang. The NCHMF forecast continued heavy rainfall across the north from 19:00 LT on June 9 to 07:00 LT on June 10, with some areas expected to receive over 180 mm (7.1 inches).
In the Red River Delta and Thanh Hoa province, rainfall is forecast between 20–40 mm (0.8–1.6 inches), with isolated areas receiving more than 100 mm (3.9 inches) in three hours. Flash floods, landslides, and strong winds are expected across mountainous and low-lying regions.
Hanoi is forecast to receive over 80 mm (3.1 inches) of rain by the morning of June 10, following days of high temperatures of 35–36°C (95–96.8°F). Ho Chi Minh City may see 150–200 mm (6–8 inches) of rain through June 11.
In the Gulf of Tonkin, maritime alerts remain in effect. At 12:00 LT on June 9, the region was experiencing showers and thunderstorms with winds up to 60 km/h (40 mph) and waves exceeding 2 m (6.5 feet). Authorities advised vessels to exercise caution due to rough sea conditions.
The Central Highlands and southern Vietnam are also forecast to experience moderate to heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and associated risks such as tornadoes, lightning, and hail from June 9 onward.
References:
1 Northern Vietnam hit by flooding, police rescue eight from danger – Vietnam Net – June 9, 2025
2 North Vietnam faces more storms, East Sea may see tropical cyclone – Vietnam Net – June 8, 2025
3 Tropical low in East Sea may form storm as northern Vietnam drenched – Vietnam Net – June 9, 2025
I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules.