A Historic Rainy Season Highlighting the Evolution of Vietnam’s Disaster Management Policies

This year, Vietnam’s rainy season has stood out for its intensity, duration, and the exceptional frequency of extreme weather events. Traditionally running from May to October, with peak typhoon activity between August and September, the country is usually affected by 5 to 10 typhoons and tropical storms each year. In 2025, this average was far exceeded: 21 tropical systems were recorded in the South China Sea, including 15 typhoons, marking a record since meteorological records began in 1961.

This exceptional activity can be explained by a combination of climatic factors, notably abnormally high sea surface temperatures and a particularly active monsoon. Several typhoons made direct landfall in Vietnam, while others, although remaining offshore, generated heavy rainfall and strong winds inland.

However, the most dramatic flooding of the year was not solely caused by typhoons. Torrential monsoon rains reached unprecedented levels. Between 27 and 28 October 2025, some meteorological stations in central Vietnam recorded up to 1.74 meters of rainfall in just 24 hours, breaking records set during the major floods of 1999. These extraordinary volumes saturated the soil, preventing water infiltration and triggering sudden and violent flash floods.

Severe Material, Human, and Economic Consequences

In many central provinces, floodwaters rose above two meters, submerging roads, homes, and public infrastructure. Landslides were also reported in mountainous areas, worsening the damage and complicating rescue operations.

The human and economic toll of this rainy season has been severe. According to Vietnamese authorities, more than 400 people lost their lives or were reported missing due to storms, floods, and landslides in 2025. Over 700 people were injured. Economic losses are estimated at more than 85 trillion Vietnamese dong, equivalent to approximately USD 3.2 billion.

Material damage has been extensive, with over 337,000 homes destroyed, damaged, or temporarily submerged. The agricultural sector, a cornerstone of Vietnam’s economy, was particularly affected: more than 553,000 hectares of rice fields and food crops were flooded, placing hundreds of thousands of farmers in a precarious situation. Numerous essential infrastructures, including roads, bridges, and power networks, also suffered significant damage.

Reactive Measures by the Vietnamese Authorities

In response, the Vietnamese government rapidly mobilized substantial resources to protect the population and limit the consequences of these disasters. The armed forces, police, and emergency services were deployed on a large scale to carry out evacuation, rescue, and humanitarian assistance operations. Tens of thousands of residents from the most exposed areas were relocated to temporary shelters or secure public buildings.

At the same time, the State implemented emergency financial assistance for affected families and local authorities. Distributions of food, drinking water, and basic necessities were organized, often supported by national solidarity and humanitarian organizations.

Vietnam’s rapid digital development also played a decisive role in managing this crisis. The country has approximately 137 million mobile connections—more than its total population. This high level of connectivity enabled authorities to quickly disseminate weather warnings and safety instructions via SMS and dedicated applications. These digital tools provide near real-time monitoring of storm developments, river levels, and flooded areas.

Thanks to early warning systems and preventive evacuations, some regions were able to limit casualties despite the severity of the events. Although this rainy season remains one of the most destructive in the country’s recent history, authorities emphasize that prevention and response measures helped avoid an even heavier human toll.

An Evolution Driven by Public Policy and Solidarity

Natural disasters are not new to Vietnam, but the way they are managed has evolved significantly over recent decades. In the 1990s and early 2000s, risk management relied mainly on post-disaster responses. Early warning systems were limited, weather forecasts were less accurate, and information dissemination was slow, particularly in rural areas.

The major floods of 1999 in central Vietnam caused more than 600 deaths. At that time, evacuations were rare and often delayed, and humanitarian aid lacked coordination. Solidarity existed, but it was primarily local and spontaneous.

From the 2010s onward, Vietnam gradually adopted a more structured approach focused on prevention and anticipation. Forecasting capacities were strengthened, evacuation protocols were clarified, and coordination between central and local authorities improved significantly.

The rise of digital technology marked a major turning point. Where information once took hours—or even days—to circulate, alerts can now be disseminated instantly on a large scale. This shift has considerably reduced the number of people exposed to flash floods and typhoons.

At the same time, the State now plays a central role in mobilizing resources. The military, police, and emergency services are integrated into national disaster management plans, enabling faster and more effective interventions. Systematized emergency financial assistance also helps speed up recovery and reconstruction.

Finally, national solidarity has been strengthened and structured through social networks and digital platforms, facilitating fundraising efforts and the delivery of aid to affected areas.

Despite the intensification of climatic events, human losses per disaster tend to be lower than those observed during comparable events in the past. This trend highlights the growing effectiveness of public policies and reflects a tangible improvement in Vietnam’s resilience to climate-related hazards.