Death toll rises to 41 in central Vietnam flooding, more heavy rain forecast

The death toll from a new barrage of torrential rain, flooding and landslides in central Vietnam since the weekend has risen to 41, state media reported on Thursday, with water levels rising further in already inundated towns and villages

The death toll from a new barrage of torrential rain, flooding and landslides in central Vietnam since the weekend has risen to 41, state media reported on Thursday, with water levels rising further in already inundated towns and villages.

Rainfall exceeded 60 inches in several parts of central Vietnam over the past three days. The region is home to a key coffee production belt as well as the country’s most popular beaches, but is highly prone to storms and floods.

A suspension bridge on Da Nhim River in Lam Dong province was swept away on Thursday morning, VietnamNet newspaper reported. A video clip showed the bridge being swallowed by the river in just a few seconds. Reuters could not immediately verify the video.

More than half a million households and businesses faced blackouts after power grids were damaged by the floods, according to the government. Traders said the floodwaters were hampering the coffee harvest in the region.

The national weather forecast agency warned of more flooding and landslides to come on Friday, with heavy rain set to continue in the region.