51 dead In Vietnam's Worst Flooding In 45 Years

October 9, 2007 5:21 a.m. EST

Hanoi, Vietnam (AHN) - At least fifty-one people were presumed dead and 14 others declared missing in one of the most severe floods to hit Vietnam over the past 45 years, Vietnam News Agency reported Monday.

The flooding, triggered by torrential rain on October 4, rampaged through the country's northern and central regions with Nghe An province suffering the biggest casualties with 22 deaths and three missing, the news agency quoted the country's Central Steering Committee for Flood and Storm Prevention.

Northern Hoa Binh province reported nine deaths and three missing, while northern Son La province had seven deaths and three missing,

Damaging some 58,000 houses, the floods also submerged 120,000 hectares of subsidiary crops, and rendered inutile transport system in many areas.

The report added that local authorities are using helicopters and boats to deliver relief aid to stranded villagers.