A flash flood occurred on Sunday morning in Mường Xén township, Kỳ Sơn District, the central province of Nghệ An, bringing soil, rocks and debris from upstream, severely disrupted people's lives here. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Heavy downpours and floods in the north central region claimed the lives of eight people in the two provinces of Nghệ An and Hà Tĩnh as of 5:30pm on Sunday.

According to the standing office of the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, in Thanh Hoá, Nghệ An, and Hà Tĩnh, 26 houses saw over 70 per cent of their structure damaged, 143 had their roofs blown off, 55 were affected by landslides, and over 14,000 submerged. More than 2,000 families had to relocate.

Flooding also damaged 11,435ha of rice and other crops, more than 3,800ha of industrial and fruit trees, nearly 135ha of forest, over 9,000ha of ponds and lakes, and more than 710 tonnes of salt.

The disaster also killed 155,340 cattle and poultry; affected 127 schools; 9,150 metres of canals and 82 bridges and sewers and eroded 1,550m metres of river bank.

According to the National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting, on Monday, heavy rains will continue across Việt Nam.

Downpours are forecast to reduce in the north central region on Tuesday, but continue in the south central, Central Highlands and southern regions in the following days.

Localities are advised to continue keeping close watch on weather developments to take appropriate response measures.

Local authorities provided relief to the people affected by flash floods in Kỳ Sơn District, Nghệ An Province. — VNA/VNS Photo

Nghệ An Province is calling on donations from societies and organisations to help alleviate the struggles of the grieving families and people suffering from property losses.

Donations could be sent directly to the account of the Relief Board of Nghệ An Province (account number 51010008856666 at the BIDV Nghệ An branch, or account number 3751.0.3008897 at the State Treasury office of Nghệ An Province). Donations in cash could be made at the office of the Việt Nam Fatherland Front Committee in Nghệ An Province - No. 02 Phan Đăng Lưu, Vinh City (Phone contact: 0915232452 – Nguyễn Văn Tào, Head of Mobilisation Department). — VNS