Heavy rains kill 31 in Vietnam, Cambodia

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ANKARA (AA) - At least 31 people were killed and over a dozen others went missing in rain-related incidents in Vietnam and Cambodia, according to local media reports.

The heavy rainfall has caused floods in in central provinces of Vietnam killing nearly 20 people, while 14 others are missing, daily Vietnam News reported.

The Southeast Asian country is bracing for seventh typhoon – Nangka – of the year.

The meteorological officials said the heavy rainfall was caused by the low pressure in the north of South China Sea, also known as the East Sea in Vietnam.

According to the weather forecast, Nangka will make a landfall in the north-central part of Vietnam on Wednesday.

The meteorological officials have predicted that central provinces would witness rainfall ranging from 150 to 300 millimeters (5.9-11.8 inches) on Tuesday and Wednesday.

In Cambodia, rains and flash floods killed 11 people since start of the current month, daily The Phnom Penh Post reported.

More than 1,200 families have been evacuated to safer places.

Rains deluged Kandal, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Speu, Pursat, Battambang, Pailin, Banteay Meanchey, Stung Treng and Svay Rieng provinces as well as the capital Phonm Penh.