Typhoon Bualoi Kills at Least 9 in Vietnam, 17 Fishermen Missing
After hitting the Philippines, former Typhoon Bualoi has ripped through central Vietnam as a tropical storm, causing at least nine deaths and widespread destruction. The storm brought heavy rains and strong winds, leading to severe flooding, damaged infrastructure, and power outages affecting over 347,000 households. Rescue teams are currently searching for 17 fishermen who went missing at sea. The storm has now weakened and moved into Laos, leaving a trail of significant damage across the region.
Unpacked:
Central Vietnam bore the brunt of Typhoon Bualoi, especially coastal provinces where strong winds and flooding caused the most damage, including power outages and destroyed infrastructure.
Typhoon Bualoi caused significant destruction similar to past major storms in Vietnam, with severe flooding and infrastructure damage, but the death toll and number of missing are within the range typically seen with strong tropical storms in the region.
Rescue teams face difficulties due to ongoing flooding, damaged roads, disrupted communications, and the search for missing people at sea, all of which delay immediate relief and recovery work.
Based on historical patterns, severe impacts and disruption are expected to persist for five to seven days, but full recovery of infrastructure and livelihoods can take weeks or even months.