Heavy rain hits central Vietnam
08/11/2007
Ongoing heavy rain in central Vietnam and the resulting floods have left many thousands homeless and created havoc. Reports suggest that at least 46 people in the region have been killed.
The affected region, which includes the Central Highlands coffee belt, has been hit hard by storms and floods since early October, killing nearly 200 people, causing property and crop damage of US$ 300 million. Fears were heightened with the prediction that typhoon "Peipah", which is crossing the South China Sea, could bring even more rain to the region.
The rain and floods have also affected the SOS Children's Village in Nha Trang, capital of the province Khanh Hoa. Mothers at the village, which is home to 131 children, have been too afraid to venture out to buy daily provisions and food stuffs. Food supplies are sufficient, but it is hoped the rain waters will subside quickly. Some materials at the SOS Nursery were damaged, however classes are continuing as normal.
The three-month storm season, packed with up to ten typhoons, often ends in Vietnam in October but this year it has been extended. Peipah is the sixth typhoon forecast to strike Vietnam so far this season.
Relevant Countries: Vietnam.