HANOI: A tragic series of flash floods triggered by Tropical Storm Trami has claimed the lives of five people in central Vietnam, as disaster response officials reported significant damage to homes and agricultural lands Thursday (Oct 31).

The storm, which made landfall in Vietnam on Sunday after wreaking havoc in the Philippines — where over 100 fatalities were reported — unleashed torrential rainfall that swelled rivers and toppled power lines throughout the affected regions.

In Quang Binh province, which bore the brunt of the flooding, authorities reported that five residents lost their lives, and another five suffered injuries in the downpour.

The Ministry of Agriculture's online report indicated that more than 300 houses were damaged, along with nearly 1,300 hectares of crops being destroyed.

Vivid images released by state media illustrated the severity of the flooding, showing water levels almost reaching the rooftops of single-storey homes in some remote areas.

In other parts of Quang Binh, residents engaged in extensive cleanup efforts, removing mud and debris from their homes.

While water levels in nearby rivers are reported to be slowly receding, numerous areas remain inundated.

The ongoing situation paints a dire picture for many families, facing both immediate safety concerns and the long-term repercussions of their lost homes and livelihoods.

Vietnam's vulnerability to tropical storms is well-known, with the storm season typically spanning from June to November every year.

However, experts warn that climate change, driven by human activity, is resulting in more severe weather conditions.

This assertion is backed by the tragic events of September when Typhoon Yagi struck northern Vietnam, resulting in 345 deaths and causing an estimated economic loss of $3.3 billion.

As the nation grapples with the aftermath of Storm Trami, the need for resilience against future natural disasters has never been more apparent.

With changing climate patterns, both local communities and government officials are urged to invest in better infrastructure and preparedness strategies to mitigate the risk of such devastating events in the future.

Stay tuned for updates as recovery efforts continue and more information emerges regarding the impact of this natural disaster on the affected families and areas.