Hanoi (TDI): Heavy rainfall, that has battered central Vietnam over the past several days, has triggered catastrophic flooding and landslides, killing at least 41 people and leaving others missing, according to local authorities.
The affected region includes major coffee-producing provinces such as Dak Lak and Khanh Hoa, as well as popular coastal and tourist areas. Rainfall in some zones has exceeded 1,500 millimeters in just three days, causing floods.
Dak Lak Province has recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 16 deaths reported. More than 23,000 homes in the province are underwater, while tens of thousands of other houses across central Vietnam remain submerged.
As for agricultural losses, over 13,000 hectares of crops and more than 2,000 hectares of perennial plants have been damaged, alongside thousands of livestock and poultry swept away or drowned.
Landslides have blocked major transportation routes, including National Highways 1, 14, 14E, and 20, severely hampering rescue and supply operations. A suspension bridge over the Da Nhim River in Lam Dong Province was washed away as water levels surged.
Read More: Typhoon Bualoi Death Toll Climbs to 51 in Vietnam
Power outages have affected more than one million people as floods damaged segments of the electrical grid. In response, Vietnam’s government has deployed some 18,000 military personnel, along with specialized vehicles and helicopters, to support evacuations and deliver essential supplies.
Rescue teams have used boats to reach stranded residents, including families trapped on rooftops, and have broken through windows and roofs to free people from sinking homes.
The Environment Ministry said, on Thursday, that more than 62,000 people have been moved from their homes to safety. The country’s Deputy Prime Minister urged authorities at all levels to accelerate evacuations and prepare for the possibility of more landslides in the coming days.
Meteorologists warn that more rain is expected, with forecasts predicting between 70 and 250 millimeters of additional rainfall across parts of the region in the coming days.
Prior these extensive rainfalls, Vietnam was struck by two typhoons, Kalmaegi and Bualoi, back-to-back within a period of three weeks, while a very powerful storm, dubbed Ragasa, also touched the country in late September.
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