Why in news?
Typhoon Bualoi struck central Vietnam at the start of October 2025, causing significant damage and loss of life. The storm brought heavy rain and strong winds.
Impact
- At least 36 people were reported dead and dozens more injured.
- The typhoon damaged or destroyed more than 210,000 houses and flooded 51,000 hectares of crops.
- Total economic losses were estimated at around 11.5 trillion Vietnamese dong.
Response and lessons
- Authorities evacuated tens of thousands of residents and deployed military units for rescue operations.
- Early warning systems helped reduce casualties but infrastructure damage remains high, highlighting the need for resilient housing and drainage.
- Climate change is likely increasing the frequency and intensity of tropical storms in Southeast Asia.
Vietnam’s experience underscores the importance of disaster preparedness, resilient infrastructure and international cooperation in the face of extreme weather.