Typhoon Matmo Brings Worst Floods in 40 Years to Northern Vietnam; China and Philippines Also Severely Hit
Torrential rains from Typhoon Matmo have unleashed the worst floods in northern Vietnam in nearly four decades, killing at least eight people and leaving five missing while causing massive destruction to homes, infrastructure, and agriculture. The tropical cyclone also inflicted significant damage in southern China and the Philippines, highlighting the escalating threat of climate change-driven extreme weather in Southeast Asia.
Devastating Floods and Rescue Efforts in Vietnam
Northern Vietnam experienced unprecedented flooding as three major rivers including the Trong, Bang, and Tuang surged past their highest recorded levels in nearly 40 years. Cities such as Thai Nguyen and Lang Son were severely submerged, with floodwaters engulfing homes, vehicles, and entire neighborhoods. The collapse of a small hydropower dam caused approximately $2 million in damages, forcing the evacuation of over 200 families downstream. Landslides triggered by relentless rain killed three people, while flash floods took four others, and one victim died from a lightning strike.
The Vietnamese government deployed 30,000 troops, boats, and helicopters to mount rescue operations and supply stranded families with food and life jackets. Despite the relentless rains easing, floodwaters remain high in many areas, with ongoing evacuation and relief efforts. More than 15,700 homes were inundated, and another 400 damaged, while nearly 15,000 hectares of crops were flooded. About 360,000 livestock and poultry were also lost. Additionally, power outages affected over 217,000 households, with communication disruptions hampering relief coordination.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh approved an emergency relief package worth 140 billion Vietnamese dong (approximately $5.7 million) to assist the affected northern provinces. The floods mark Vietnam's fifth major storm disaster since September 2025, following closely on the heels of Typhoon Bualoi, which caused significant loss of life and property
Impact in Southern China
Before hitting Vietnam, Typhoon Matmo made landfall in southern China’s Guangdong and Hainan provinces, prompting large-scale evacuations. Approximately 347,000 people were evacuated as the typhoon brought winds of up to 151 kilometers per hour and heavy rainfall expected to total up to 249 mm (about 9.8 inches) in some areas. The storm disrupted flights, public transport, and business operations in the region. Coastal areas experienced flooding and property damage, with significant concerns for further floods as the storm moved inland toward Guangxi province.
The Chinese government issued a red-level typhoon warning, the highest alert, and took extensive precautionary measures to safeguard residents. Macau also canceled classes and tutoring sessions to avoid risks from adverse weather, although it was not directly in the storm's path.
Effects in the Philippines and Broader Climate Implications
Matmo, also known locally as Typhoon Paolo, sparked severe flooding and landslides in the northern and central regions of the Philippines, affecting over 220,000 people. About 35,000 sought emergency shelter or stayed with relatives in safer areas. While no casualties were reported in the Philippines from Matmo specifically, the cyclone struck just days after a deadly earthquake worsened humanitarian conditions.
Meteorologists attribute the increased intensity and frequency of typhoons in Southeast Asia partly to human-driven climate change. Typhoon Matmo’s rapid succession following four other major storms this season underscores the growing climate vulnerability of the region. Experts and officials warn of the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness, resilient infrastructure, and international climate diplomacy to address these recurring extreme weather events.