The death toll from the heavy floods in central Vietnam has tragically risen to 13, with 11 people still missing. The floods, triggered by record levels of rainfall, have devastated a large area, with the UNESCO-listed former imperial capital Hue and the ancient town of Hoi An being the worst affected.
While floodwaters have begun to recede in Hoi An on Friday, allowing residents to start clean-up operations, many areas of the two historic locations remain inundated, with some houses submerged up to their roofs.
The disaster has inundated more than 116,000 houses and 5,000 hectares of crops. Roads, railways, and power in several areas have been cut off.
Residents, like 60-year-old Tran Van Tien, described the current event as the "worst I've ever seen."
The disaster has severely impacted the vital tourism sector, with hotel bookings for Hoi An canceled and businesses closed.
Forecast: Heavy rain is forecast to continue in central Vietnam through late Saturday, with daily rainfall possibly exceeding 500 millimeters in some areas.
