In an extraordinary and historic weather event, central Vietnam has been ravaged by widespread flooding after Typhoon Wutip unleashed torrential rain over several days. The city of Hue—known for its imperial history—was especially hard-hit, experiencing the worst summer flooding in more than a century.
Over a 72-hour period from June 11–13, rainfall totals in some areas exceeded 900 mm (35 inches), the equivalent of nearly three feet. This event shattered seasonal norms, as June is typically marked by intense heat, not monsoonal downpours.
Hue City Underwater
By Friday morning, large swaths of Hue City were submerged. Streets in central districts like Phu Xuan and Quang Dien turned into canals, forcing residents to use boats for transport. Parts of Nguyen Sinh Cung Street were rendered impassable, and public infrastructure buckled under the sheer volume of water.
The local Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Rescue reported that rainfall across Thua Thien-Hue Province ranged from 160 mm to over 700 mm (6 to 27.5 inches). The highest totals were recorded in Bach Ma Station (Phu Loc District), where 768 mm (30.2 inches) fell over three days, including 559 mm (22 inches) in a single 24-hour period.
Rising Rivers and Dam Discharges
Key rivers surged alarmingly. The Huong River exceeded Flood Alert Level 2, while the Bo River neared Level 3—the most critical warning. To ease pressure, authorities released massive volumes of water from local hydropower dams:
- Huong Dien Reservoir: 1,600 m³/s
- Binh Dien Reservoir: 900 m³/s
- Ta Trach Reservoir: 400 m³/s
These discharges further worsened flooding downstream, especially in already inundated urban and lowland areas.
Infrastructure Damage and Landslides
The extreme rainfall triggered landslides in several mountainous districts. A significant slide near Phu Loc disrupted the La Son–Tuy Loan Expressway, one of the region’s major transport routes. Multiple low-lying bridges and rural roads became impassable, cutting off access to affected communities.
Flights in and out of Da Nang International Airport were canceled or delayed due to severe weather. Even scheduled public events, including a riverfront beauty pageant in Hue, were postponed.
Fatalities and Agricultural Losses
The flood disaster has claimed at least 9 lives, with 2 people still missing. The fatalities occurred in Thua Thien-Hue, Quang Tri, and Quang Binh provinces. Local emergency teams continue to search for the missing and assist in rescue efforts.
Damage to agriculture has been widespread. Authorities estimate that over 88,000 hectares (217,000 acres) of rice fields, orchards, and other crops have been submerged. In central Vietnam alone, more than 70,000 hectares (172,000 acres) of farmland were damaged or destroyed.
Thousands of homes have also been affected, with families displaced and infrastructure needing significant repairs.
Anomalous Summer Storm
Meteorologists say the flooding caused by Wutip is highly unusual for this time of year. June is typically Vietnam’s dry season in the central region.
Dr. Mai Van Khiem of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting called the event “exceptional,” adding that Wutip’s track and strength are signs of increasingly unpredictable tropical weather systems.
Hydrology expert Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Huy noted that the storm’s moisture and wind field was unusually asymmetrical, driving heavy rain deep inland while the storm center stayed offshore. This disconnect between the storm core and rainfall footprint added to the unpredictability and severity.
Experts warn this may be a preview of what’s to come in a warming climate: more erratic storm behavior, unseasonal rainfall, and extreme weather impacts in unexpected months.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Historical record: Worst summer flooding in Hue in 100+ years
- Rainfall: Up to 900 mm (35 in) in 3 days
- Most affected: Hue City, Phu Loc, A Luoi, Quang Dien
- Rivers: Huong (above Level 2), Bo River (near Level 3)
- Fatalities: 9 confirmed dead, 2 missing
- Damage: Over 88,000 ha of crops lost; major infrastructure impacts
- Air travel: Multiple flight cancellations at Da Nang
