At least 37 people have died and five others are missing after heavy rains and floods hit central Vietnam, officials said on Monday.
According to the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority, torrential rains since October 23 have caused widespread flooding, damaging homes, crops, and infrastructure across several provinces.
More than 12,600 houses remain underwater, while 103 homes were completely destroyed and 451 others were damaged. Floods also submerged nearly 7,900 hectares of crops, killed over 64,000 livestock and poultry, and severely damaged irrigation systems and riverbanks.
Authorities said rescue teams, including military forces, were working around the clock to reach stranded residents, but ongoing heavy rains have slowed operations.
Danang was among the hardest-hit areas, where seven people were killed, four are missing, and 21 were injured. More than 76,000 homes were flooded, and nearly 63,000 cubic meters of debris from landslides blocked roads.
In the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong, about 3,900 hectares of crops were destroyed and thousands of livestock drowned. Hue city recorded some of the heaviest rainfall, submerging over 44,000 homes and damaging large swaths of farmland. The city has since begun recovery work and reopened tourist sites, including the ancient citadel.
In Quang Ngai province, over 200 landslides dumped 60,000 cubic meters of soil and rocks onto roads, disrupting train services and cutting power to hundreds of homes.
The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting warned that more heavy rain is expected from November 1 to 4, with rainfall totals between 200 and 300 millimeters, and some areas exceeding 600 millimeters.
Major rivers such as the Huong, Bo, Vu Gia-Thu Bon, and Tra Khuc have reached peak levels and are beginning to recede.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has directed provincial leaders to continue rescue operations, provide free medical care, and ensure food, water, and essential supplies reach isolated communities.
Vietnam is among the countries most vulnerable to tropical storms and heavy monsoon rains, which often cause deadly floods between June and September.
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