Heavy Rain Floods Central Vietnam as Thai King’s Historic Visit Ends

Heavy Rain Floods Central Vietnam as Thai King’s Historic Visit Ends

NGHE AN, Vietnam, 18 September 2026 — Heavy rain has triggered severe flooding across central Vietnam as Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida concluded their historic state visit to Vietnam, with floodwaters reaching as high as 1.7 metres on roads in Nghe An province.

The Thai King and Queen ended their three-day state visit on September 16, marking the first state visit by a Thai monarch and queen to Vietnam since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1976.

At the same time, prolonged heavy rainfall from September 15 into September 16 caused widespread flooding in Nghe An, cutting off several communities and triggering landslides.

In Tam Thai Commune, floodwaters submerged temporary bridges and low-water crossings, isolating seven villages with 631 households and more than 3,000 residents, as well as two schools.

Five provincial roads passing through Minh Hop, Quynh Tam, Hung Chan and Tam Thai communes were also flooded, with water levels ranging from about 0.45 metres to 1.3 metres.

The deepest flooding was recorded at the Xang Dau low-water crossing on Provincial Road 538 in Quynh Tam Commune, where water reached approximately 1.7 metres. Authorities closed severely flooded sections and deployed personnel to prevent vehicles from entering dangerous areas.

The heavy rain also caused eight landslides along roads managed by the Nghe An Department of Construction, with three blocking traffic, according to Vietnamese authorities. Machinery was deployed to clear mud and rocks and restore access.

Local authorities mobilised police and military personnel to assist residents in moving belongings and valuable property to safer, higher ground. By the morning of September 16, officials said water levels had begun to recede in some areas, although emergency response and road-clearing operations continued.

The flooding came as Vietnam hosted the Thai King and Queen for a landmark visit focused on strengthening bilateral relations. The visit coincided with the 50th anniversary of Thailand-Vietnam diplomatic relations, with the two countries having upgraded their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2025.

Vietnamese authorities continued monitoring flood-prone areas and restricting access to roads and crossings where fast-moving water posed risks to residents and motorists.