Typhoon Bualoi Devastates Central Vietnam Amid Fragile Recovery
Typhoon Bualoi has slammed into central Vietnam with catastrophic force, killing at least 22 people and leaving 21 others missing, according to local authorities. The storm—originating in the Philippines over the weekend—struck a region still reeling from another major typhoon just weeks earlier, compounding one of the worst natural disaster sequences in recent memory.
Storm Timeline: From Philippines to Vietnam
- September 27: Bualoi forms near the eastern Philippines, triggering landslides and power outages.
- September 28: Storm intensifies to Category 3 equivalent as it moves westward across the South China Sea.
- September 29: Makes landfall in central Vietnam with sustained winds of 120 km/h (75 mph), unleashing torrential rain and flash floods.
Human and Infrastructure Toll
| Metric | Impact |
|---|---|
| Confirmed Deaths | 22 |
| Missing Persons | 21 |
| Displaced Residents | Over 45,000 |
| Provinces Affected | Quảng Nam, Quảng Ngãi, Thừa Thiên-Huế |
Compounding Crisis: Recovery Interrupted
Central Vietnam had only just begun rebuilding from Typhoon Krathon, which struck in early September and damaged over 12,000 homes. Emergency response teams were still distributing aid when Bualoi hit, overwhelming local resources and delaying rescue operations.
“We lost everything twice in one month,” said Nguyen Thi Lan, a resident of Quảng Ngãi province. “Now we don’t even have dry ground to sleep on.”
Government and International Response
The Vietnamese government has deployed military units for search-and-rescue missions and activated emergency shelters. The Red Cross and UN agencies are coordinating relief efforts, but access remains limited due to washed-out roads and downed bridges.
[INTERNAL_LINK:Typhoon Bualoi]
