At least three people have been killed and one remains missing after torrential rains from tropical storm Wipha unleashed devastating floods in Nghe An, a central province of Vietnam, officials confirmed on Thursday.

The storm, which struck Vietnam after sweeping through Hong Kong, southern China, and the Philippines, marks the first major weather system to hit the country this year. Vietnam, with its extensive coastline along the South China Sea, is highly vulnerable to tropical storms that frequently trigger flooding and landslides.

Rising Toll and Widespread Destruction

Local authorities reported that one victim was killed in a landslide, while another was swept away by powerful floodwaters. Over 3,700 homes in Nghe An have been submerged, and nearly 500 houses were damaged by high winds. Entire villages were seen underwater, with rooftops barely visible in images shared by state media.

“We’ve lost everything—our clothes, our rice, our savings,” said Dang Thi Ngoc, a resident of Nghe An, speaking to national broadcaster VTV. “All we have left are our bare hands.”

Agriculture Devastated

In addition to the human toll, the flooding has wreaked havoc on local agriculture. According to government reports, more than 1,600 hectares of rice paddies and 1,290 hectares of cash crops have been ruined—posing further challenges for affected communities.

More Rain Expected

Vietnam’s national weather agency has issued warnings for continued rainfall, with forecasts predicting up to 250 millimetres of rain through Saturday across northern provinces. Authorities fear additional flooding and are urging residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert and evacuate if necessary.

As climate change intensifies extreme weather patterns, Vietnam faces increasing risks from seasonal storms. Wipha’s destructive impact underscores the country’s ongoing struggle to protect both lives and livelihoods in the face of natural disasters.