1 dead, over 6,100 homes inundated after torrential rains in central Vietnam

HANOI, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- One person died and more than 6,100 houses were inundated after torrential rains hit Vietnam's central province of Lam Dong, government figures showed Friday.

About 4,128 hectares of crops were affected, while 4,053 poultry and livestock were swept away. A total of 3,680 households had been relocated to safe areas.

The initial estimated damage stands at over 113 billion Vietnamese dong (about 4.29 million U.S. dollars). The figure is expected to rise as local authorities continue their assessments.

Around 250 boats have sunk or drifted out to sea, while many others remain in dangerous condition and require urgent rescue, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

Local authorities on Friday issued an urgent directive, requesting relevant agencies and localities across the province to strengthen the operation of hydropower reservoirs and take immediate measures in response to the disaster situation, the report said. ■