Flooding in Vietnam leaves at least 13 people dead

By Bennett Murray

HANOI, Vietnam (AA) - Floods have killed at least 13 people in central Vietnam amid fresh torrential downpours.

Binh Dinh, the most heavily hit province, has lost six people since the most recent wave of flooding struck at the end of November, the Thanh Nien newspaper reported Sunday.

Four others died in Quang Ngai and another three in Quang Nam.

The three most recent deaths were all children in Quang Nam province killed Saturday.

Nguyen Huy Hoang, 4, drowned after the bridge she was using collapsed in Tay Yen village Saturday, while 13-year-old Em Le Thi Hong Hanh reportedly drowned in Nui Thanh city after being washed away while walking to school.

Phung Quoc Dung, 13, drowned after falling into the water in Nong district.

Four fishermen are also reported missing at sea.

Floods have killed scores in recent months, with the government listing at least 65 dead in central Vietnam since October.

The deaths sparked a reaction from Deputy Prime Minister Trịnh Dình Dung, who on Sunday urged provincial authorities to step up rescue attempts and provide support for the families of the deceased.