Devastating Floods Ravage Vietnam, Leaving Casualties in Their Wake

Vietnam's central regions are battling deadly floods and landslides that have killed eight people since the start of this week, with seven others still missing. The disaster comes at a critical time for the country's coffee harvest, threatening one of Vietnam's key export industries.

Rainfall exceeded 1,100 millimeters in some areas, completely submerging entire villages. The timing couldn't be worse for coffee farmers in Dak Lak province, where only 10 to 15% of the crop has been harvested so far. Coffee beans need sunlight to dry properly, but the relentless rain is making that impossible.

Authorities evacuated hundreds of families overnight as floodwaters rose. In Gia Lai province, schools shut down, affecting over 26,000 students. The historic city of Hoi An saw water levels rise again, forcing residents and tourists to navigate flooded streets by boat.

Vietnam's weather service warns that more flooding and landslides are likely as heavy rains continue. The country regularly faces severe weather during monsoon season, but this latest wave highlights the ongoing challenges for both rural communities and major agricultural exports.

Coffee is Vietnam's second-largest export after rice, making the harvest disruption a concern beyond the immediate human cost. The flooding affects not just this year's crop but could impact planting schedules for next season if the weather doesn't improve soon.