Typhoon Matmo Devastates Vietnam: 8 Dead, Crops & Homes Flooded

Vietnam grapples with the aftermath of Typhoon Matmo, which brought relentless rains, floods, and landslides across northern and north-central regions.

Early October storms turned life upside down for residents in Vietnam, as Typhoon Matmo’s heavy rainfall swept through cities and rural areas. Emergency services confirmed eight fatalities and five injuries, with dozens more facing displacement and property damage.

Massive Flooding Hits Homes and Infrastructure

According to the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority, over 15,700 homes were submerged, while more than 400 sustained severe damage. Streets in low-lying urban areas became waterways overnight, leaving cars and motorbikes stranded. In many cities, schools shifted to online learning, and flights at Noi Bai International Airport faced delays or cancellations due to the hazardous conditions.

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Overnight downpours from midnight to early Tuesday (October 7) dumped 40–116 mm of rain in just six hours, with some areas reporting totals up to 100 mm by morning. These torrential rains created over 120 flood points, paralyzing at least 30 major streets and disrupting public transport.

Agriculture and Livestock Suffer Heavy Losses

The agricultural sector was hit hard. Floodwaters inundated more than 14,600 hectares of rice and other crops, devastating harvests in key farming regions. Livestock and poultry losses were substantial, with authorities reporting over 97,000 animals killed or swept away.

Farmers expressed shock at the scale of the destruction, many still recovering from previous flooding earlier this year. “It’s like the storms never end,” said one farmer from Thai Nguyen province.

Landslides and Traffic Disruptions Worsen Crisis

Beyond flooding, landslides triggered by the heavy rain affected 602 locations across the northern mountainous and north-central regions. Remote communities faced isolation, and local authorities deployed rescue teams to assist stranded residents and clear debris. Emergency crews used boats to navigate flooded streets, providing food, medical aid, and evacuation support.

Authorities warned that while waters began receding in some areas by Wednesday morning (October 8), ongoing thunderstorms could cause additional flash floods in the afternoon, urging residents to remain vigilant.

Prime Minister Orders Immediate Measures

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh issued urgent directives to strengthen flood and landslide defenses. The government emphasized safeguarding residents in high-risk zones and accelerating the recovery of critical infrastructure.

The scale of Typhoon Matmo’s impact has sparked discussions about improving disaster preparedness, with experts noting that the frequency of intense storms may rise due to climate change.