Typhoon Matmo Triggers Record Floods, Claiming 8 Lives in Vietnam

On October 8, 2025, northern Vietnam was grappling with record-breaking floods that have submerged streets and inundated homes, leaving tens of thousands of people stranded. The floods were triggered by heavy rains from Typhoon Matmo, which hit the region hard earlier this week.

In the city of Thai Nguyen, about 80 kilometers north of the capital Hanoi, floodwaters have reached the tops of cars and rooftops, with many residents forced to flee their homes. The environment ministry reported that at least 8 people have been killed in flash floods and landslides in the country's mountainous north since Monday, and 5 others are still missing.

The military has mobilized 30,000 personnel and thousands of boats to assist in rescue and relief efforts. They have used helicopters to drop essential supplies like food, water, and lifejackets to those trapped in the flooded areas. From late Tuesday to Wednesday, Vietnam recorded the highest flood levels on three major rivers in the north in nearly 40 years, surpassing levels not seen since 1986.

The floods have caused widespread devastation, with one resident of Thai Nguyen province describing it as the "most terrible flood" he has witnessed in his 60 years of life. The situation remains critical, as authorities continue to work tirelessly to evacuate those affected and provide aid to the thousands left stranded by the rising waters.