Vietnam/China

Floods kill 117, more rain expected

Article published on the 2008-11-04 Latest update 2008-11-04 11:30 TU

A flooded street in Hanoi
(Photo: Reuters)

Weather forecasters predict more downpours in north Vietnam, after more than a week of rain and floods which have killed at least 74 people. Thousands of troops are on standby, ready to repair dykes around Hanoi if they burst. Much of the capital is under water and officials say it is suffering the worst floods for 35 years.

Thousands of people, including children and the elderly, were trapped in water-logged homes in Hanoi on Tuesday. Twenty people have died in the city since Friday and 44 neighbourhoods remain under water that is up to 2.5 metres high.

Officials say that 9,000 troops have joined rescue efforts but residents in many areas say that they are still waiting for help. Hospitals are packed with cases of respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases, while there are fears that cholera and dengue fever may break out.

Officials say that rain-soaked dykes around Hanoi and in the northern Red River delta could burst and they have deployed thousands of troops in those areas.

Among those killed in Hanoi were 12 people who were swept away in floods or fell into open drains hidden by water, while four people were electrocuted and two killed by lightning.

Across the region, more than 120,000 buildings have been flooded, according to official figures, while 250,000 hectares of rice and other crops have been lost.

Docks flooded in Nanning, China
(Photo: Reuters)

 

 

 

 

 

 

In neighbouring southern China, massive downpours in Yunnan province and Guangxi region have killed 43 people, mostly in landslides, with 47 missing, according to state media.