Typhoon Bualoi struck Vietnam early Monday, bringing torrential rains, fierce winds, and devastating waves up to 8 meters (26 feet) high, leaving at least 12 people dead and 17 others missing, according to state media reports.
The powerful storm made landfall shortly after midnight, unleashing widespread destruction across central and northern provinces. It caused severe flooding, washed away temporary bridges, and submerged roads and vehicles in several cities. Many remote and highland communities have been cut off, exacerbating rescue and relief efforts.
Authorities report that strong winds caused the collapse of houses in Hue City, Thanh Hoa, and Ninh Binh provinces. In Quang Tri, a fishing boat broke loose from its moorings, leaving nine crew members adrift at sea; four have since swum to shore, while others remain missing. Additionally, families in Gia Lai province have lost contact with eight fishermen.
Power outages have affected more than 347,000 households across the impacted regions. In Nghe An province, residents are beginning to clear debris in the storm’s aftermath. Nguyen Tuan Vinh described Bualoi as “one of the strongest storms” he has ever experienced, while Ho Van Quynh shared that he stayed awake all night, fearing his home would be torn apart by the relentless winds.
The Vietnamese government had evacuated over 28,500 people ahead of the typhoon’s arrival and closed four airports in the central provinces, leading to hundreds of flight cancellations and delays.
Following landfall in Vietnam, Bualoi weakened to a tropical storm and moved into neighboring Laos.
This disaster follows a deadly week in the region, with the Philippines suffering at least 20 fatalities from Bualoi since Friday, mainly due to drowning and falling trees. It also comes just days after Typhoon Ragasa struck the northern Philippines, Taiwan, and southern China, causing at least 28 deaths.
Rescue teams continue to search for the missing fishermen, while emergency services work to restore power and clear roadways. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant as heavy rains and flooding persist.
