Vietnam Braces for Typhoon Verbena Amidst Flood Recovery Efforts

Hanoi, Vietnam – Just as Vietnam begins the arduous task of recovering from its deadliest floods in years, a new threat looms: Typhoon Verbena. The storm is currently tracking towards the south-central coast, raising fears of further devastation in regions already reeling from widespread destruction.

As of Wednesday, Verbena was entering the South China Sea and is forecast to intensify as it moves across open waters on Thursday. Meteorological agencies in Japan and Hong Kong predict the typhoon will strengthen significantly over the next 24 to 48 hours before gradually weakening towards the end of the week.

The timing couldn’t be worse. The recent floods, triggered by days of torrential rainfall, have left a trail of destruction across the country. As of Tuesday evening, authorities confirmed at least 98 fatalities and 10 people remain missing. The provinces of Dak Lak and Khanh Hoa bore the brunt of the disaster.

A Nation Still Underwater

The scale of the damage is immense. More than 202,000 homes were inundated, and over 400 were completely destroyed. Economic losses are estimated at 13.08 trillion Vietnamese dong – equivalent to approximately $645 million USD, according to official reports. This represents a significant setback for Vietnam’s economic growth.

“The situation is incredibly challenging,” says Dr. Le Anh Tuan, a disaster risk management specialist at Can Tho University. “The ground is already saturated from the floods, making it extremely vulnerable to landslides and further flooding when Verbena arrives. The recovery process will be significantly hampered.”

Military Mobilization and Preparations

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Vietnamese military has launched a full-scale preparedness operation. Region 5 Military Command convened an emergency meeting on November 25th, ordering the suspension of non-essential activities and the mobilization of personnel and equipment to assist affected communities.

Border guard units are collaborating with local authorities to ensure the safety of vessels and crews at sea, providing crucial updates on the typhoon’s trajectory. Three working teams have been dispatched to the hardest-hit provinces – Gia Lai, Dak Lak, and Khanh Hoa – to bolster flood prevention measures and prepare for the impending storm.

Colonel Phan Dai Nghia, Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of Region 5 Military Command, emphasized the need for lessons learned from the recent flood response. “We must concentrate all resources to respond to Typhoon Verbena,” he stated. “We need to be prepared for prolonged heavy rainfall caused by the storm’s circulation.”

Looking Ahead: A Double Blow for Vietnam

Authorities are warning that Verbena is expected to bring widespread heavy rainfall starting Thursday, exacerbating the already precarious situation. The potential for landslides and flash floods in flood-affected areas is particularly concerning.

The back-to-back disasters highlight Vietnam’s vulnerability to extreme weather events, a risk increasingly amplified by climate change. The country is consistently ranked among the most vulnerable nations to the impacts of climate change, facing threats from rising sea levels, increased frequency of typhoons, and more intense rainfall patterns.

The coming days will be critical as Vietnam braces for Typhoon Verbena. The nation’s ability to effectively respond will depend on continued coordination between government agencies, the military, and local communities.