16 Oct 2017 | 04:24 PM UTC
Vietnam: Flooding kills at least 54 October 10-13 /update 2
At least 54 killed and 39 others missing October 10-13 due to floods and landslides in central and northern Vietnam; rain forecast to continue
Event
Authorities reported on Friday, October 13, that the worst flooding in years triggered by heavy rain had killed at least 54 people since October 10, with another 39 people reported missing. Thousands have been evacuated from their homes as a tropical depression continues to sweep across northern and central Vietnam. The provinces of Yên Bái and Hòa Bình are the hardest hit, where at least 34,000 homes have been inundated. Most deaths were caused by landslides.
Rains are forecast to continue through at least Monday, October 16.
Context
Northern Vietnam’s summer monsoon season runs from May to October and regularly results in flooding. However, this current crisis represents one of the highest death tolls ever recorded in the country from flooding.
Advice
Individuals in Vietnam are advised to follow all instructions as issued by local authorities (e.g. possible evacuation orders) and follow local weather forecasts. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.
