Hanoi: Typhoon Bualoi made landfall in northern central Vietnam on Monday, leaving at least one person dead and dozens missing, while causing widespread flooding and wind damage along the coast.

The storm struck with winds of up to 117 km/h, weakening slightly to around 88 km/h as it moved inland over Nghệ An province. Heavy rainfall and waves up to eight meters battered coastal communities, prompting authorities to evacuate more than 28,500 people ahead of the typhoon’s arrival.

One fatality was reported in Huế city when a resident was caught in floodwaters, and 12 fishermen remain missing after their boats were lost at sea off Quảng Trị province. Local reports indicate additional missing fishermen in nearby areas as rescue operations continue.

The Vietnamese government deployed thousands of troops and emergency personnel to assist in evacuations and disaster relief. Airports in affected regions, including Dong Hoi, Tho Xuan, and Phu Bai, were closed, and schools were shut down to ensure public safety.

Rainfall in some areas is expected to reach up to 500 mm, raising the risk of flash floods and landslides in central and northern provinces. Damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and power lines, has already been reported in Ha Tĩnh and Nghệ An provinces, with many houses sustaining roof damage from strong winds.

As Bualoi moves inland, it is forecast to weaken into a tropical depression while continuing to bring heavy rain to surrounding provinces. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and follow safety instructions as rescue and relief operations continue.

The typhoon follows a series of storms that have affected Southeast Asia this season, highlighting the ongoing vulnerability of coastal communities to extreme weather events.