Jakarta –
Vietnam is bracing for the potential for a new disaster after the deadliest floods in recent years hit. Now, Vietnam has to face Typhoon Verbena.
Reported by The Straits Times, Wednesday (26/11/2025), Typhoon Verbena entered the South China Sea on November 26. The typhoon is predicted to strengthen when it crosses open waters in the central South China Sea on November 27.
The storm is predicted to shift gradually westward and slow down after November 28 before weakening at the end of the week. The Japanese and Hong Kong meteorological agencies predict Verbena will become stronger in the next 24 to 48 hours.
SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT
This storm is moving towards the south-central area of ​​Vietnam. Residents in the area are still struggling to clean up mud, rubble and destroyed houses after days of heavy rain that triggered catastrophic flooding.
As of Tuesday (25/11) at 17.30, at least 98 people had died and 10 people were missing due to flooding in Vietnam. Dak Lak and Khanh Hoa provinces suffered the most casualties.
More than 202,000 houses were flooded and more than 400 houses collapsed. Meanwhile, economic losses increased to 13.08 trillion Vietnamese dong or USD 645 million.
Authorities warned Verbena could bring widespread heavy rain starting November 28. It is feared that this will cause landslides and flash floods in areas that were hit by flooding last week.
Vietnam’s 5th Military Region troops held an emergency meeting on November 25 to coordinate hurricane response efforts. Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff, Colonel Phan Dai Nghia, ordered units to stop non-essential activities and prepare troops and equipment to help residents affected by the disaster.
Border Guard Units have been instructed to cooperate with local authorities to ensure the safety of the crew and vessel at sea and to notify ship owners and captains of Verbena’s path as the storm approaches.
Military Region 5 has also sent three work teams to Gia Lai, Dak Lak, and Khanh Hoa, which are the three areas worst hit by flooding in recent days. They were sent to support flood prevention measures and prepare for storms.
Colonel Nghia said agencies must learn from shortcomings in recent flood responses and prepare for prolonged periods of heavy rain caused by storm circulation.
“We must focus all resources on responding to Hurricane Verbena,” he said.
Also watch Video: Typhoon Kalmaegi Scans, 14th Century Shipwreck Appears on Vietnam Coast
(WNV/SUMMER)
