Several people have died in northern Vietnam due to landslides caused by heavy rainfall and flash floods. A local government official reported hearing an explosion-like noise on May 19 in Ba Bể district, Bắc Kạn, before soil, rock, and water poured down the mountain. At least four people died in Ba Bể, with one person missing and significant farmland damage.

The northern region of Vietnam has experienced thunderstorms and heavy rainfall due to low-pressure areas and southeast winds. Forecasters predict 100-350 millimeters of rainfall this week. The department of meteorology and hydrology stated that intense localized downpours are expected frequently during the rainy season due to neutral El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions and the impact of climate change.

Vietnam is prone to tropical cyclones, causing flash floods and landslides. Experts say climate change is causing more intense weather patterns. In 2024, deaths from natural disasters in Vietnam tripled to 514 compared to 2023. Super Typhoon Yagi in September 2024 left over 300 people dead or missing. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Nguyễn Hoàng Hiệp noted “abnormal weather patterns” and urged local authorities to improve drainage, issue evacuation warnings, and maintain trees.

In China, severe rain and flooding in Guangdong and Guangxi provinces led to at least five deaths. In Guangdong, a landslide hit a three-story building, killing three people. Rescue efforts continue for a missing person.