Devastating Floods Wipe Out 20 Million Lobsters, Threatening Dak Lak’s Lobster Farming Industry

According to Luong Nguyen Minh Triet, Secretary of the Dak Lak Provincial Party Committee, the recent floods have resulted in the death of 20 million lobsters, causing losses of trillions of Vietnamese dong and nearly wiping out the lobster farming industry in what was formerly Phu Yen, now Dak Lak province. He urged that immediately after the floodwaters recede, relevant agencies must swiftly provide support with seedlings and livestock to help residents restore production and stabilize their livelihoods.

The Secretary criticized various departments for their incomplete reports, which failed to accurately reflect the extent of damage caused by the natural disaster.

Earlier on November 20, Mr. Pham Van Nguyen, Chairman of Xuan Dai Ward People’s Committee in Dak Lak province, reported that prolonged heavy rain and inland floodwaters rushing into Xuan Dai Bay had caused mass lobster deaths, with some households losing nearly their entire stock.

“The lobster deaths are unprecedented. Some residents are hastily selling their catches, while others remain unable to venture out to sea due to strong winds and waves. Local authorities advise residents to avoid going out to sea at this time and have relocated households in the An Thanh area at the foot of Ganh Do to safer locations. Heavy rain continues this morning, and many areas remain deeply submerged,” said the leader of Xuan Dai Ward. He added that lobster prices have plummeted to 200,000 VND per kilogram, down from the usual 1 million VND per kilogram.

According to a rapid report from the People’s Committee of Dak Lak province, the floods have affected 40 communes and wards, causing deep inundation, fast-flowing waters, and the isolation of many residential areas. Several localities face potential food shortages in the coming days.

As of the evening of November 20, the severe flooding in Dak Lak has claimed 19 lives, with 6 individuals still missing; 400 houses have been completely destroyed; over 13,800 houses have had their roofs blown off; 85,700 houses have been flooded; 12,800 households are isolated; and 15,300 households have been urgently evacuated.

The aquaculture sector has suffered heavy losses, with 17,700 cages and rafts, and 950 hectares of farming areas swept away; more than 500 fishing boats damaged. Additionally, 3 million livestock and poultry have perished or been swept away by the floods. Numerous infrastructure projects, including transportation, irrigation, electricity, telecommunications, schools, healthcare facilities, and production establishments, have also sustained varying degrees of damage.

In response to the critical situation, the People’s Committee of Dak Lak province has issued a decision declaring a state of emergency due to natural disasters in 40 communes and wards, and has called for the maximum mobilization of forces and resources to rescue and ensure the safety of residents.

The People’s Committee of Dak Lak province has directed local authorities to promptly assess comprehensive damages, repair essential infrastructure such as transportation, irrigation, power grids, and communication systems; arrange safe temporary housing for displaced households; and ensure living conditions. They have also requested that departments and agencies closely coordinate with local authorities to focus all resources on overcoming the aftermath of the disaster, swiftly stabilizing residents’ lives and production activities.