Typhoon Bualoi unleashed its destructive power on Vietnam’s central coast, resulting in at least 12 fatalities and 21 individuals reported missing, according to official state media. This devastating storm had previously wreaked havoc across the Philippines over the weekend, where it claimed the lives of at least 10 people.
The typhoon made landfall on Sunday evening, approximately at 11 p.m. local time, bringing with it formidable wind speeds estimated between 73 and 83 miles per hour, as reported by local media citing the national weather agency. On Monday, Vietnam escalated its disaster relief operations, though rescue teams faced significant challenges reaching communities cut off by extensive landslides and sudden flash floods. As Bualoi continued its westward trajectory towards Laos, persistent rainfall intensified, causing water levels in regional hydropower reservoirs to rise dangerously, posing a threat of further destruction.
“This typhoon stands as one of the most powerful to strike these areas in the past two decades,” stated Huy Nguyen, a local weather expert. “Its extensive damage is largely due to how long it lingered inland—between six and eleven hours—after hitting the coast.”
Tracking Typhoon Bualoi
Explore the projected path and anticipated wind arrival times for Typhoon Bualoi.
With wind gusts surging beyond 90 miles per hour, Bualoi swept along the coastline, impacting a significant portion of central Vietnam. This region was already struggling to recover from the widespread destruction left by Typhoon Kajiki just one month prior.
The unfortunate timing of these consecutive storms has left residents with little opportunity to rebuild or recover.
“The last typhoon completely destroyed my house, ripping off the entire roof. I had just managed to repair it with borrowed money. Now, this new typhoon has damaged my home all over again,” lamented Tran Thi Ha, a 40-year-old resident of Ha Tinh Province.
Bualoi’s impact resonated throughout the broader region. Ninh Binh Province, situated about 124 miles from the typhoon’s direct path, experienced severe thunderstorms that led to house collapses and tragically killed nine people. State media also reported massive power outages in Vietnam’s central Ha Tinh Province, which bore the brunt of the storm’s eye.
“We anticipate continued rainfall,” warned Tran Huu Khanh, deputy director of the Ha Tinh Department of Agriculture and Environment. “We are actively deploying resources to prepare for and mitigate the escalating risks of flash floods and landslides.”
As a crucial precautionary measure, Vietnamese authorities had successfully evacuated tens of thousands of residents over the weekend, ahead of Bualoi’s arrival.
“The typhoon continues to bring heavy rain to Laos and the border areas with Vietnam,” Dr. Huy cautioned. “The full extent of the typhoon’s impact and danger is not yet over.”