Typhoon Bualoi's Deadly Aftermath: Over 50 Dead, Millions in Damage

On October 3rd, 2025, the Vietnamese government reported that the death toll from Typhoon Bualoi has risen above 50, with more than a dozen people still missing. The powerful storm slammed into central Vietnam late last Sunday, bringing winds of up to 130 kilometers per hour and lingering over land for nearly 12 hours.

The heavy rains from Bualoi have inundated the capital Hanoi this week, and the resulting floods and landslides have damaged over 200,000 homes, public infrastructure, and farmland across the country. The environment ministry estimates the total damage from the typhoon may cost up to $600 million.

Landslides in the northern mountainous areas have killed several people and disrupted access to popular tourist destinations like Sapa and Mu Cang Chai. Images on social media show roads completely destroyed and massive rocks and earth blocking mountain passes.

While floodwaters have begun to recede, weather forecasters warn that Typhoon Matmo, now approaching the northern Philippines, may impact the north of Vietnam early next week. This would be the 11th storm to hit the country this year, which typically sees around 10 annually.

The devastating impact of Typhoon Bualoi is yet another example of how human-driven climate change is turbocharging extreme weather events, making them increasingly deadly and destructive. Between January and August 2025, storms have caused Vietnam $371 million in damage, triple the amount over the same period last year.