Vietnam floods: 35 killed, five missing

The death toll from heavy rains and floods in central Vietnam has risen to 35, with five people missing and another 60 injured, the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority has announced.

The continuous rains since October 25 have caused severe flooding in the central region. More than 16,500 homes and buildings remain submerged, and around 75,000 households are still without electricity.

The floods have destroyed or damaged about 5,300 hectares of farmland used for rice and other crops, as well as nearly 800 hectares of fruit plantations. In addition, around 42,000 head of livestock and poultry have perished.

Large-scale rescue and recovery operations are currently underway, involving army units and police forces. The government has established an emergency relief fund of 450 billion dong (approximately $17.9 million) to support residents of affected cities and provinces and to finance reconstruction efforts.

By Khagan Isayev