Typhoon Matmo brings record floods to Vietnam and mass evacuations in China

Severe flooding triggered by Typhoon Matmo has devastated northern Vietnam this week, leaving tens of thousands stranded, at least eight dead, and five others injured. On Wednesday (8 October), record floodwaters submerged streets and homes, reaching rooftops and covering cars in Thai Nguyen city, about 80km north of Hanoi. Residents reported unprecedented inundation, with one telling AFP news agency: “I have never witnessed such a terrible flood in my 60 years.”

The Vietnamese military mobilised 30,000 personnel, thousands of boats, and helicopters to deliver over four tonnes of emergency supplies to Lang Son province, where flooding followed the breach of a dam serving the Bac Khe 1 hydropower plant. Over 200 families were evacuated, but the disaster has caused estimated economic losses of US$1.9 million. Rivers including the Cau, Bang, and Thuong reached their highest levels in nearly 40 years, with the Cau river exceeding last year’s record during Typhoon Yagi. The floods compound destruction from Typhoon Bualoi last week, which killed at least 56 people and caused losses exceeding $710 million.

Matmo first made landfall in China on Sunday between Wuchuan (Guangdong) and Wenchang (Hainan), bringing sustained winds of 151km/h (94mph) and torrential rain. Authorities evacuated nearly 350,000 people from coastal and high‑risk areas, imposing red alerts and deploying over 10,000 emergency personnel. Zhanjiang city suspended all public services and transport; parts of Hainan closed schools, workplaces, and ferry routes.

All trains on Hainan Island were halted, with high‑speed rail resuming on Monday. Haikou Meilan International Airport cancelled flights until gradual resumption later on Sunday. In Hong Kong, over 100 flights were affected, with up to 29 cancellations forecast. The Hong Kong Observatory later downgraded warnings as Matmo moved away, but strong winds and squally showers persisted.

Mike Rogers, Chief Security Analyst at International SOS said to ITIJ: “As extreme weather becomes the new normal, it’s important for organisations to shift from reactive responses to proactive resilience. Embedding preparedness into business continuity means regular risk assessments, alignment with early warning systems, and coordination with authorities and partners. Organisations must ensure that emergency communications protocols are activated, and that these forms of communication can operate despite unreliable systems during extreme weather situations.

“Furthermore, organisations must ensure that all stakeholders are aware of their escalation plans in the event of extreme weather, as well as how they can approach an emergency situation and evacuate themselves and others to safety.

“Beyond crisis triggers and mobility planning, true duty of care requires addressing the health and wellbeing of employees and families – from physical safety to long-term mental health support following any instances of extreme weather. By investing in adaptable infrastructure, flexible policies, and comprehensive support systems, businesses can safeguard their people, maintain continuity, and turn climate risks into opportunities for lasting resilience.”