Torrential rain in Vietnam leaves 3 dead, 16,000 homes flooded

Heavy rains triggered flooding and landslides across northern Vietnam, killing three people and damaging thousands of homes as well as more than 22,000 hectares (54,000 acres) of crops.

The northern region has experienced downpours since Monday, with some areas receiving as much as 653mm (26 inches) of rain, according to a statement on the government’s website. More than 16,000 houses have been inundated while rice and other crops have been damaged.

National and provincial roads have been affected by 11 landslides and flooding in 30 locations, causing traffic tie-ups. The Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City railway was flooded to a depth of about one metre. Several train services on the north-south railway were suspended on Thursday and Friday.

More heavy rain is expected from Thanh Hoa province to the city of Hue through the weekend, with some areas forecast to receive a deluge of over 100mm. In Thanh Hoa, more than 29,000 officials and soldiers were mobilised for emergency aid.