41 Dead In Vietnam Flooding

November 5, 2007 7:50 a.m. EST

Hanoi, Vietnam (AHN) - Eight days of flooding in central Vietnam has claimed the lives of 42 people and left six others missing, Vietnam's Central Steering Committee for Flood and Storm Prevention said Monday.

Reports said floodwater killed 11 people in Thua Thien Hue province, while eight people were reported to have died in the provinces of Quang Nam and Quang Ngai. In the Phu Yen province, seven persons were reported to have perished while another three people were said to have died in Binh Dinh.

Authorities adds that over 70,000 homes were destroyed as well as irrigation works. Several communities in the region remain inaccessible, the committee said.

However, Vietnam sees no abating of heavy rainfall as typhoon "Peipah" is expected to hit the country Monday after lashing northern Philippines and killing six people in the region.

Mayor Le Van Giang of the ancient town of Hoi An said floodwaters in the area have already receded since Thursday. Hoi An is included in the UNESCO World Heritage site.