Vietnam flood death toll rises to 13, with 11 others missing

HANOI – The death toll from the heavy floods in central Vietnam has risen to 13, with 11 others still missing, the government said on Oct 31.

Floods triggered by record levels of rainfall have

inundated a large swathe of central Vietnam

over the past days, with the Unesco-listed former imperial capital Hue and the ancient town of Hoi An the worst hit.

Photos circulating on state media showed that much of the two locations remained under flood water, with some houses submerged up to their roofs.

Vietnam is prone to often deadly storms and flooding that cause widespread property damage, especially during the storm season from June until October.

The floods have also inundated more than 116,000 houses and 5,000ha of crops, and damaged roads and railways, cutting off traffic and power in several areas, the government's disaster agency said in a report.

Heavy rain is forecast to continue in central Vietnam, with daily rainfall exceeding 500mm in some areas from early on Oct 31 until late on Nov 1, according to the report. REUTERS