Severe rainstorms inundate central Vietnam, killing at least 24

Heavy rainfalls that have been affecting central Vietnam since December 12, 2016, have now killed at least 24 people and left numerous others missing.

The highest number of fatal incidents was reported in the Binh Dinh province, where 16 people have been reported dead. Hundreds of homes have been inundated and at least two people have gone missing. Hoi An, a well-known tourist destination, was also partially inundated, according to media reports.

​72-hr rainfall accumulation as observed by the GPM Core Observatory. Image credit: Google/NASA/JAXA/GPM

The total damage was estimated at $32 million while over 32 000 hectares of fertile land was devastated. 

The area of Vietnam is generally prone to torrential downpours and tropical storm. However, this amount of precipitation during December is still quite unusual. The waters have somewhat receded over the last couple of days, although meteorologists have announced further rainfall is expected by the end of the week.

Featured image: Floods inundate central Vietnam, December 15, 2016. Image credit: @jerrytlai