Extreme Floods Submerge Vietnam's Ancient Cities

On October 28, 2025, central Vietnam experienced record-breaking rainfall, leading to severe flooding that has submerged the country's ancient heritage sites. The city of Hue, known for its imperial past, saw rainfall reach an unprecedented 1,085.8 millimeters (42 inches) within 24 hours, the highest volume ever recorded in Vietnam.

The flooding has had a devastating impact on the region. In Hue, the iconic Perfume River rose to a staggering 4.62 meters (15 feet), inundating homes and cutting off major streets. Across the province, 32 of Hue's 40 residential areas were flooded, with residents forced to navigate the submerged streets by boat.

The historic town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was also heavily impacted by the floods. Water levels in the Hoai River rose nearly 2 meters (6.5 feet), forcing the evacuation of tourists from the ancient town by boat on Monday. The extreme weather has also disrupted transportation, with the train route between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City suspended due to the floods.

Experts attribute the intensity of the rainfall and flooding to the effects of climate change, which is making storms stronger and wetter. With nearly half of Vietnam's population living in areas at risk of flooding, the country faces an increasingly uncertain future as the impacts of global warming intensify.