Flooding near the Japanese Bridge -- a popular destination in Hội An. Heavy rains for three days in the central region have flooded many areas and caused erosion in mountainous districts. VNS Photo Công Thành

HỘI AN — Houses and restaurants along the Hoài River in Hội An were evacuated on Thursday afternoon after floodwater breached many buildings following three days of uninterrupted rain.

Boats were launched to help people move their belongings to higher ground, including An Hội Bridge and pedestrian streets in the night market.

Water also flooded a section near the main market, blocking traffic and pedestrians.

Residents living on the Hoài River  left their houses as the flooding began on Thursday (October 8) afternoon. VNS Photo Công Thành

A report by the local flood and storm prevention agency revealed the Hoài River had risen 1.29m – 0.29m higher than emergency level 1. Flood levels were forecast to continue to rise in the coming days with heavier rainfall and added water released from reservoirs that were nearing capacity.

Serious erosion has damaged roads and isolated living quarters in mountainous districts including Tây Giang, Nam Trà My, Đông Giang, Nông Sơn and Phước Sơn, and the lowland areas of Đại Lộc, Ái Nghĩa and Đại Cường.

A slight earthquake during heavy rain hit Nam Trà My District early on Thursday, but no damage was reported.

Boats are used in the Old Quarter of Hội An. VNS Photo Công Thành

A local man from Đại Lộc District died from an electric shock while he was preparing to escape the floods.

Rain and flooding are forecast to continue in the central region through the weekend.

All schools in Đà Nẵng have been closed until Monday to avoid the risks of possible floods and heavy rains.

Eight out of 11 communes in suburban Hòa Vang District in Đà Nẵng were submerged in the floods. — VNS