HANOI: Rescuers in Vietnam continued searching for 13 people missing after a week of heavy flooding that has killed at least 55, authorities said on Saturday. Torrential rain since late October has battered south-central provinces, inundating popular tourist destinations and triggering deadly landslides.
Coastal city Nha Trang saw entire city blocks submerged, while highland areas around the Da Lat tourist hub were hit by landslides that swept through mountain passes. Mountainous Dak Lak province reported more than two dozen fatalities, making it the hardest-hit region, the environment ministry said.
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Rescue teams have been evacuating people from treetops and rooftops as floodwaters gradually recede, while multiple highways remain blocked. Approximately 300,000 residents are still without electricity following widespread blackouts that initially affected over a million people.
Vietnam has faced 279 deaths or missing persons due to natural disasters this year, with economic losses exceeding $2 billion between January and October, according to the national statistics office. Scientists have noted that human-driven climate change is making extreme weather events increasingly frequent and destructive.
Authorities continue to warn residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant as heavy rains are expected to persist, complicating relief and recovery operations.
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