Flood topples 15-meter section of Vietnam’s Hue Imperial Citadel wall

The collapsed northern section of the citadel wall, about four meters high, was littered with centuries-old bricks and debris, with floodwaters still pooling at its base.

Trash left behind by the flood remained on top of the fallen wall.

The damaged wall runs parallel to Dang Thai Than Street in Phu Xuan Ward.

The incident occurred on Sunday night, when rising floodwaters exerted pressure on the aging structure, according to security personnel at the site.

The Hue Monuments Conservation Center has cordoned off the area, warning visitors to stay away due to the risk of further collapse.

Heavy rains have hit central Vietnam since the beginning of last week, causing widespread flooding in Hue and surrounding areas, with the city experiencing three separate waves of inundation.

City officials reported that floodwaters in the citadel area reached 0.3-0.5 meters, while other historic sites, including the tombs of Emperors Gia Long, Minh Mang, Thieu Tri, and Duc Duc, were submerged up to 1.7 meters.

The Tang Tho Pavilion, which houses valuable historical documents, was flooded over one meter.

Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh, during a visit to inspect flood damage, urged authorities to review vulnerable heritage sites and develop long-term flood response and climate adaptation plans.

Hue Imperial Citadel, constructed from 1805 to 1832 under Emperors Gia Long and Minh Mang, is the largest architectural complex of its era in Vietnam.

Built with Vauban-style design combined with Vietnamese innovations, it is part of the UNESCO-listed Hue Monuments Complex.