From now until the end of the year, the East Sea is expected to see another 4–5 storms, with 2–3 likely to make landfall in Vietnam. Heavy rains and late-season flooding in the central region will persist, while the north may face an early and severe cold spell.

Powerful storms emerge early, super typhoon forms in the East Sea

At a regular press conference held this morning (October 6) by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, representatives of the National Hydrometeorological Agency warned that natural disasters across Vietnam during the first nine months of 2025 have been unusually intense, erratic, and far more extreme than average.

Widespread heavy rains, strong storms, flash floods, and large-scale inundation have occurred consecutively, severely affecting multiple regions nationwide.

According to Deputy Director General Hoang Duc Cuong, an average of 12–14 storms form annually in the East Sea, of which about six typically make landfall in Vietnam.

“Within just the first nine months of 2025, the East Sea has already recorded 14 storms and tropical depressions (including 10 full-fledged storms), well above the multi-year average. This indicates both frequency and intensity have exceeded norms, even though the storm season still continues until year-end,” Cuong said.

He added that this year has also seen the world’s strongest super typhoon appearing over the East Sea. Although it did not make landfall in Vietnam, it still caused severe impacts on offshore and coastal zones.

Unseasonal rains and widespread flooding

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Flooding and storms in 2025 have shown highly unusual and extreme patterns. Photo: Thien Luong.

Cuong reported that so far, Vietnam has experienced 14 widespread heavy rain events this year, including two during the normally dry season - an unusual pattern. Most of these were tied to tropical depressions or storms, forming dangerous weather systems that brought torrential rain, strong winds, flash floods, and landslides.

Notably, storms No. 5 and No. 10 triggered a particularly destructive combination of disasters, affecting areas from mountains to plains and coastal to urban centers, including Hanoi. Water levels reached the third alert threshold in several provinces such as Quang Tri, Nghe An, Thanh Hoa, Lao Cai, and Tuyen Quang.

Extreme weather phenomena like tornadoes and waterspouts have also become more frequent, even occurring hundreds of kilometers away from storm centers.

Prolonged flooding in the central region, early cold in the north

Forecasts indicate that from October through December, the central provinces - especially Ha Tinh, Hue, Quang Ngai, and Khanh Hoa - will face prolonged heavy rainfall. Flood levels could reach alert levels 2–3, and in some cases, exceed level 3.

Meanwhile, cold air masses may arrive earlier and stronger than usual. When combined with storm circulation and tropical convergence zones, they are expected to cause heavy rains in northern and north-central Vietnam. Severe cold and frost conditions could appear sooner than previous years.

Mekong Delta faces peak floods and tidal surges

Over the next two days, floodwaters in the Mekong Delta are expected to peak near alert level 2, around October 8–10. Coupled with high tides, provinces such as Can Tho and Hau Giang may experience significant flooding, disrupting daily life and production.

The National Hydrometeorological Agency warns that 4–5 more storms could develop in the East Sea by the end of 2025, with 2–3 potentially striking Vietnam directly. Central Vietnam will continue to endure prolonged heavy rains and flooding, while northern regions must prepare for early winter chills.

Authorities, local governments, and residents are urged to heighten vigilance and proactively strengthen disaster preparedness, especially during the final months of the year when extreme weather tends to intensify.

Vu Diep