Deadly Storms, $3 Billion Losses Test Vietnam’s Climate Defenses

Vietnam has been pounded by a series of deadly disasters and historic floods this year that have racked up at least $3 billion in losses and exposed the nation’s flimsy climate defenses, just as another storm bears down on the region.

Recovery efforts continue in five central provinces where severe flooding and landslides left at least 98 dead over the past week and caused economic damage estimated at more than 14 trillion dong ($546 million), according to the government. Many families have lost their homes and livelihoods after prolonged floodwaters compounded an already torrid storm season.

A woman rows a boat on a flooded street following heavy rains in Hoi An on Oct. 30.

Photographer: Nhac Nguyen/AFP/Getty Images

“Vietnam is among ...