Devastating Floods Hit Central Vietnam, Leaving Devastation in Wake

Central Vietnam's Nghe An province is grappling with severe flooding caused by tropical storm Wipha, which has left three dead and one missing, according to local reports. The region's long coastline makes it susceptible to such storms, with Wipha marking the first serious impact of the year.

Torrential rainfall has submerged over 3,700 homes and damaged numerous others. Photos circulating in state media depict villages where houses are entirely underwater, with residents like Dang Thi Ngoc lamenting the loss of essentials such as rice and clothing. "We have nothing left except for our bare hands," Ngoc told state broadcaster VTV.

In addition to the human toll, the storm has ravaged agriculture in the province, with 1,600 hectares of rice fields and 1,290 hectares of cash crops destroyed. The government warns of continued heavy rains, with up to 250 millimeters expected in northern regions, increasing the risk of further flooding.

(With inputs from agencies.)